Federer hits out after French Open security scare

Alex Fisher

Federer hits out after French Open security scare image

Roger Federer has hit out at French Open organisers after a spectator was able to evade security and tried to take a picture with him on court on Sunday.

The 17-time grand slam winner cruised past Alejandro Falla in the first round at Roland Garros, but he was met by a young fan running towards him trying to take a selfie with the Swiss as he made his way off court.

Despite a number of looks towards the security staff, the boy was able to get right up to the 2009 champion before he was eventually pulled away.

"I'm not happy about it," he told his post-match press conference. "This should never happen on the Philippe Chatrier court.

"Obviously not one second I'm happy about it. This is a place where no one should come on, he just wanders on and nothing happens. 

"He didn't say anything. All of a sudden he was next to me. I didn't know who he was, he tried to take a picture.

"It happened in practice yesterday too, it was just a kid but then there were another five.

"Definitely something needs to happen quickly, it needs to happen immediately. It is not a nice situation to be in.

"Gilbert Ysern [tournament director] has already apologised to me, we had a conversation, I told him what I think needs to happen, and I'm sure they'll take the next steps. 

"Not only for this tournament this year, it's for all the tournaments every year."

The incident recalled memories of the final in 2013, when the match between Rafael Nadal and Spanish compatriot David Ferrer was interuppted by a protester who ran onto court waving a flare.

Alex Fisher