On Miami doubles court, Michael Mmoh channels John Cena

Countrymen Sebastian Korda and Michael Mmoh pulled off a nail-biting opening doubles victory against Fabio Fognini and Maximo Gonzalez on Friday in Miami. The duo posted a 6-3, 2-6 [10-7] score to advance at the Masters 1000 event.

Fans may have been on the edge of their seats, but the American team was just enjoying what Korda called the "funniest doubles match" he's ever played. Between the incredible shot-making and jumping after the same overheads, Mmoh believes the laughter helped the two relax.

"I think us having a good laugh during pressure points helped us get the W. We were having too good of a time to catch a L," Mmoh told Baseline.

At a crucial juncture in the match, Mmoh channeled his inner John Cena when he chased down a shot that pulled him completely off the court. Not backing down, he shortened his take-back to keep the ball in play before ramming into the side fence.

Mmoh treated it like a trampoline to propel himself back into the court, giving Korda the opportunity to close out point. Mmoh's on-court move is something he's learned over many years of watching WWE.

"To be honest, I was a big John Cena fan growing up and always loved his 'can't see me move' where he bounced off the ropes. So Friday was finally an opportunity to replicate that on a tennis court," Mmoh said.

When asked what song accurately depicts his on-court maneuver, the answer easily rolled off his tongue. "The time is now. The walkout song for John Cena," Mmoh said.

The Miami Open marks the pair's first event together. The two are slated to square off against German tandem Alexander Zverev and Tim Puetz for a spot in the quarterfinals.

"I think if we continue to have fun out there and we will, we can pull off a huge surprise," Mmoh said.