Venus Williams (USA) hits a forehand against Diana Shnaider (not pictured) on day two of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Cat interrupts Venus Williams' serve at Miami Open

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 3/19/24

Seven-time grand slam singles winner Venus Williams had one of her serves interrupted on Tuesday during her first-round match at the Miami Open after a cat raced across the court.

The black and white feline began darting across the playing surface behind Williams as she began her serve against Russian 19-year-old Diana Shnaider in the fourth game of the second set.

The chair umpire called the serve a let, which prompted a redo.

The teenager defeated the 43-year-old elder sister of Serena Williams in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3.

"Let, replay the point. There is a cat crossing the court." #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/Tt4cV42Cxe
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) March 19, 2024

Even more stunning than the cat's adventure was some of the commentary from the broadcasters.

They mentioned that while they'd never seen a cat appear during a match, they'd seen squirrels and iguanas before. Seeing an iguana at any of the four major events, because of their respective climates, would be a shocker.

If there were to be any tournament where any iguana could show up, an event in Florida would be the place.

Williams is one of the most accomplished players in women's tennis history. Her five Wimbledon singles titles are tied for fifth most all-time. While Serena retired in 2022, Venus entered her 30th season in 2024.

She is unranked and hasn't won a grand slam since 2016, while Shnaider is ranked 62nd.

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