A fan in search of a selfie got onto the court at the French Open on Sunday, much to the dismay of Roger Federer, as security seemingly remains an afterthought at Roland Garros.
Federer, seeded second, had just completed an opening round straight-sets victory over Alejandro Falla when the young fan made his way onto the court, getting close enough to put his right arm on Federer's left shoulder:
Just shouldn't happen, Roland Garros. It just shouldn't. pic.twitter.com/s7aWEkrMxv
— René Denfeld (@Renestance) May 24, 2015
Federer wasn't pleased, looking over and pointing at officials, wondering when they were going to step in.
"I'm not happy about it," Federer told the media. "On the court is where we work. We should feel safe."
Here are his full comments about the incident:
Well, I'm not happy about it. Obviously not one second I'm happy about it. It happened (Saturday) in the practice, too. It's just a kid, but then three more kids came. And today on center court where you would think this is a place where nobody can come on, just wanders on and nothing happens. Happened during the finals in '09 as well for me. So I definitely think this is something that something needs to happen quickly. Basically yesterday already. Not now, you know. But obviously want this to happen immediately. Normally I speak on behalf of myself, but in this situation I think I can speak on behalf of all the players, that that's where you do your job, that's where you want to feel safe. And so I'm clearly not happy about it. But nothing happened, so I'm relieved. But clearly it wasn't a nice situation to be in.
A fan got far too close for comfort for Federer in the final in 2009:
The 2013 final between Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer was interrupted when a fan with a flare stormed the court:
Federer received an apology from tournament officials after the match.
"The court is sacred," said Gilbert Ysern, the tournament's director.
