The Czech found himself trailing early on in the tie, with Haas edging a tie break to claim the opening set of the contest at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

Veselý would hit back in fine fashion by winning the second 6-3, before the deciding set was subject to a unusual interruption.

The world number 55 was distracted when trying to return Haas’ serve at 3-3 in the set, due to an iguana resting on the scoreboard.

While Veselý stopped play, Haas opted to take a photo with the reptile during a light-hearted moment in the contest.

When the tie resumed, Veselý was able to secure the decisive break of serve to seal a 6-7, 6-3, 7-5 win and set up a second round clash with Spain’s Albert Ramos Viñolas.

Israel’s Dudi Sela was also among the first round winners after overcoming the United States’ Christian Harrison 6-1, 6-1.

His reward will be a clash with Spain’s Rafael Nadal, with the tournament top seeds set to enter the competition in the second round.

Serbia’s Viktor Troicki will take on third seed Milos Raonic of Canada after beating Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro 5-7, 6-3, 6-1.

Men’s first round action is set to continue tomorrow, but the qualifiers for the women’s second round were all decided today.

Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard suffered a surprise defeat, as she fell to Australian wildcard Ashleigh Barty by a 6-5, 5-7, 6-3 scoreline.

Barty will now face her compatriot Sam Stosur.

Olympic champion Monica Puig was also beaten, with the Puerto Rican losing 6-2, 6-4 to Romania's Sorana Cîrstea.