Fansided

Fan runs on court, attempts to take selfie with Roger Federer at French Open

By Jonathan Bass

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A fan at the French Open rushed the court after Roger Federer’s first round victory in an attempt to take a selfie with the former champion.

Roger Federer opened up his 2015 French Open campaign with a straight sets victory over Alejandro Falla (6-3, 6-3, 6-4). Following the contest, as he was departing the court, Federer was accosted by an overenthusiastic fan. The former champion was quite perturbed as the young man attempted to take a couple selfies before security would usher him away.

In his post-match comments, an upset Federer expressed his discontent over this incident and one on the practice courts from a day prior.

"“I’m not happy about it, obviously not one second I’m happy about it,” Federer said. “It happened yesterday in the practice, too. And, today on center court, where you would think this is a place where nobody can come on, just wanders on and nothing happens.“So I definitely think this is [a change] that something needs to happen quickly. But obviously [I] want this to happen immediately. Normally I only 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. But nothing happened, so I’m relieved. But clearly it wasn’t a nice situation to be in.”…“We need to make sure that it’s safe out there and people don’t just wander on the court like a free pass, you know. That’s how it’s supposed to be.”"

It feels like this bushleague activity happens every other year at Roland Garros – on Center Court, no less. From the guy who once tried to put a hat on Federer when he was playing Robin Soderling.

To the buffoon who hopped the court and set off fireworks near Rafael Nadal.

Federer did say that French Open organizers have apologized to him, though he’s waiting to see more of a response than lip service for an action that happens far too frequently at one of the sport’s crown jewel events.

"“And I hope that there is going to be a reaction from the tournament. They apologized, and I must say that I appreciated this, but I’d like to see what’s going to happen next.”"

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