An unwelcome distraction halted the 2013 French Open men’s singles final as a topless protester breached the tournament security.
Roland Garros legend Rafael Nadal was fighting for a record-equalling eighth title in an all-Spanish clash against David Ferrer.
Ferrer and Nadal were interrupted in their French Open finalGettyNadal had just overcome a four hour and 37 minute semi-final clash against Novak Djokovic in one of the greatest ever tennis matches.
Meanwhile, Ferrer was a straight sets winner over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to reach his first ever Grand Slam final.
But the world-class form of Nadal on his favoured clay court made a quick appearance as the reigning champion took the first set 6-3.
He closed in on the second set with a 5-1 lead after breaking Ferrer but just before he could serve, the match was temporarily paused.
A man jumped out of the crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier just past the umpire’s chair and made their way onto the playing surface.
They were shirtless but wearing a mask whilst waving a flare before being swiftly tackled to the ground by security.
Nadal seemed to rush over in an attempt to stop him but realised the situation was under control and was then protected by an official.
The protestor had ‘Kids right’ written on their chest and entered the court shortly after two others held up a banner.
“Help! France is trampling on children’s rights,” it translated to from French as per ESPN.
Other protestors at the match reportedly called for the then French president Francois Hollande to resign.
A masked protestor ran onto the court and drew shock from fansGetty He brandished a bright red flareGetty Nadal ran over but security were able to quickly take the protestor off the courtGettyThey were said to be protesting against the legalisation of same-sex marriage, with the first such wedding taking place a month earlier.
Smoke still lingered in the air after the flare was put out and despite the break, Nadal refocussed and won the second set.
He then sealed a 6-3 6-2 6-3 straight sets win to go level with Max Decugis on eight titles, the most in French Open history.
But the match was overshadowed by the protests, with tournament director Gilbert Ysern hitting out at their actions in Paris.
“I don’t want to give any additional publicity to these people, who sadly have a lack of respect for sport and sportsmen,” he said. “It’s just pathetic.
“I have no wish to speak about it, quite honestly. The only thing I will [say] is that luckily our security services did a great job.”
Fans had been protesting against the legalisation of same-sex marriageGetty Some had a large banner that called for Hollande’s resignationGettyNadal admitted: “I felt a little bit scared at the first moment because I didn’t see what’s going on.
“I just turned there and I watch a guy with some fire. It’s one of those things that nobody can prevent.”
The French Open men’s singles final was previously disrupted by a protestor in 2009 when Roger Federer beat Robin Soderling.
A man named Jimmy Jump, who has interfered with several sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup and Formula 1, ran onto the court.
He attempted to place a red hat on Federer’s head and jumped over the net before a security guard tackled him.
Tennis matches have witnessed an increase in security and protection ever since Monica Seles was shockingly stabbed in 1993.
Another intruder disrupted the French Open final four years priorAFPSeles was facing Magdalena Maleeva in the Citizen Cup quarter-finals when Gunter Parche ran out the crowd and attacked her.
Parche, who was reportedly an obsessed fan of her rival Steffi Graf, stabbed a knife between her shoulder blades.
The injury was treated in hospital but Seles did not return to tennis for another two years.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( ‘Pathetic’ – Masked man wielding flare interrupted French Open final and was tackled to ground )
Also on site :