Unless there is real punishment for this gyu then this will happen again and again.
5
I completely support Roger Federer in his objection to this outrageous infringement of security and basic etiquette. Smart phones and ubiquitous cameras are ruining all public events. The last time I went to a concert in NYC (@$105 a pop) I was forced to (try to) watch the stage through a thicket of cameras and intrusive lights that completely destroyed the effect of the stage lighting and the music itself. And forget about having a quiet conversation with a friend in a café -- it's impossible to hear each other above the din of people yammering into their cell phones. Now we have idiots running onto tennis courts in the middle of important matches, trying to capture their 5 seconds of "fame". It's all very distressing.
9
Parisians call Roger "Jesus Federer," and he is far and away the biggest draw in the sport. And while it is very unlikely Federer would ever skip a major due to a fear of the crowd, having Roger at your tournament (and having him happy, to boot,) makes financial success. A LOT of financial success.
2
"I'm a fan and I put you there, and I'm as good as you are, so we're, kind of, equal" seems to be the cry today, where members of the public do what they do with a sense of entitlement. One has only to read the online chorus commenting on other themes these days. It's scary in today's world, and goes some way to explain examples of the fear we see in other places and situations.
5
The officials at Roland Garros should be fined! Do they have no regard for the players? Are they drinking so much wine that they forgot about Monica Seles? An apology is not good enough.
This person could have injured a player just by the shock of him coming out of no where. The player could have even hurt him.
This person could have injured a player just by the shock of him coming out of no where. The player could have even hurt him.
6
Selfies = selfish? Forcing a person -- whether famous or not -- into a photo that they have not explicitly agreed to is 100% selfish.
How about promoting "USies" or "WEsies" -- photos in which all people in the photo have agreed to be photographed.
How about promoting "USies" or "WEsies" -- photos in which all people in the photo have agreed to be photographed.
9
The tournament director is in denial! he has apologized as well as trying to rationalize. There should have been an immediate reaction/response from the security. They are not sitting there judging the intentions of the intruder! who cares if they have barred the intruder for the tournament or for life! they took action on the intruder but did not react to prevent the situation.
RF is right - this should never happen again anywhere.
RF is right - this should never happen again anywhere.
5
"Ysern...later attributed the incident to a "lack of judgment" on the part of the security guards rather than a lack of proper security structure." I guess the kid wasn't brown or Arab-looking enough to warrant an "immediate" reaction from the security guards...
12
I agree with Federer. Camera phones and social media have taken away peoples respect for others and simple manners. Looks like the people at work are also forgetting that.
7
I am almost at a loss for words here concerning the tone-deafness and casual response of the French Open's Ysern. Of course players need to feel safe (and be safe) on the court. At NBA games there are no barriers between the players and the fans, but you have no doubt that security will immediately remove any fan who goes on the court. There is no reason it should be different at a tennis match. Federer was more than right to be upset,
12
The US Open always sets up a ring of security guards around the stadium perimeter following a match as well as posts security guards behind the players' seats during changeovers. As unsettling as this is for fans, it's just a reality of both our world today and the easy access onto the courts at tennis matches. The French should be ashamed of themselves and the head of security should be replaced. As Roger said, this is our workplace and we're entitled to have it be a safe place.
6
Security at Roland Garros has to step up!!! This article alludes to what happened in the Nadal/Ferrer match. After that incident both players immediately lost serve. What's next? A barbed wire fence around the court?
4
The tournament director said it wasn't the end of the world! It would have been the end of Roger's world if the guy had had a knife. Can't even bear to write that, let alone think about it. What an irresponsible, dismissive thing to say.
10
Time for a new tournement director.
12
I am sure the security guard - when interviewed later - gave a Gallic shrug as if to say: I am paid to stand there - if you want me to actually stop people - talk to my union steward.
~ Un peu de chaque chose, et rien du tout, a la française. Montaigne
~ Un peu de chaque chose, et rien du tout, a la française. Montaigne
2
How was this person not arrested?!?
If I was Rodger I'd now be insisting on having my own security on court too if French Open can't do its job!
If I was Rodger I'd now be insisting on having my own security on court too if French Open can't do its job!
16
It appears that French Open officials are constitutionally opposed to handling security needs responsibly, so Federer should vote with his feet. Only if he and others don't show up to play will the French bureaucrat Gilbert Ysern be forced to live with the consequence of his own negligence. Now that Mr. Ysern's negligence is well-documented, the number of fence-jumpers is likely to increase.
Younger players who don't perceive the threat are children with uninformed opinions, who three years ago may themselves have been fence-jumpers.
Younger players who don't perceive the threat are children with uninformed opinions, who three years ago may themselves have been fence-jumpers.
7
These people taking selfies with celebs just so they can post them on facebook for "likes". It really doesn't matter to them whether their supposed idols are happy to accommodate their intrusion or not. Social bragging has got very lame and low.
16
"A traditionalist, Roger Federer has long struggled to adapt to the new, cheek-to-cheek world of the selfie."
What a backwards way to start this article. Federer is far from some technology luddite--he is, in fact, enormously present on social media. He posts plenty of selfies of his own. He just doesn't enjoy when fans are allowed to waltz on to the court and bother him. Anybody who follows tennis knows a) the high incidence of these events at the French Open, and b) why it is so serious.
What a backwards way to start this article. Federer is far from some technology luddite--he is, in fact, enormously present on social media. He posts plenty of selfies of his own. He just doesn't enjoy when fans are allowed to waltz on to the court and bother him. Anybody who follows tennis knows a) the high incidence of these events at the French Open, and b) why it is so serious.
43
The French Open Tournament director, Gilbert Ysern, is quoted in this article as saying:
"“What happened today does not show that the risk level is high,” Ysern said. “We’re talking about an error in judgment. The guards are well prepared. If a guy went running on the court with an aggressive attitude, he would not have made it to the player.”"
I could see where Roger Federer might disagree, and has a Reuters photo to prove his point, too. I'd say Mr. Ysern added another error of judgement to this incident with his statement.
Female tennis pro Monica Seles was stabbed by a crazed fan in 1993 while on court, and it left an indelible mark on her and her career.
Once a player has achieved professional status, they have a right to expect good security before, during and after a match.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/tennis-busted-racquet/monica-seles-stabbed...
11
The Seles incident is on YouTube. It's chilling and sad and awful. This careless, indifferent tournament director should watch that video and then resign.
13
Federer could have been stabbed to death. Anyone remember the stabbing of tennis player Monica Seles ? Seems like the French need a history lesson & a kick up the backside for zero security.
9
Beyond the questionable brand of double-thinking promoted by Ysern, who mainly tries to save his face while the french tournament has barely gotten started, the actual breach in the security system comes down as absolutely inexcusable. There should be no room for excusing the fan's ill-behavior and even less from Ysern who plays down on what happened. No fan, should ever be let stepping into the court and overall it's quite sickening to read the tournament director's reactions based upon his comments, somewhat feigning surprise and merely waiting for things to cool down by themselves instead of taking real action. Sometime, crossing fingers isn't enough.
15
Quite right too. After what happened to Monica Seles, it's very disturbing that this "young male fan" was able to "walk unobstructed" to Federer.
9
“Some children came onto the court, and nobody from security reacted,” Saturday was the traditional "Kid's Day" when children six and under get in for free. Photographs show little kids all over the place. It might be somewhat expected that security wouldn't have the same level of concern directed at six year olds as they do towards adults and teenagers. No excuse for what happened on Sunday though.
5
What are the security measures, if any, are used to screen the public before entering the stadium? It would be helpful in understanding the situation to know.
1
Watching the kid who accosted Federer just walk away after a rather perfunctuary security intervention (well after any sort of bizarre or violent act could have occurred- the kid walked 30 feet across the court to reach Federer- then stood with him while Federer waved at security which finally stepped forward...gently easing the kid away). Ysern seems grossly incompetent and out of touch with reality if he believes his security can detect malevalence from afar.
A truly dangerous attacker would likely stroll up casually- not behave like an obvious threatening lunatic !
Ysern must be fired ASAP- for the sake of all men & women players. Roalnd Garros has had too many scary close call security failures under his watch.
A truly dangerous attacker would likely stroll up casually- not behave like an obvious threatening lunatic !
Ysern must be fired ASAP- for the sake of all men & women players. Roalnd Garros has had too many scary close call security failures under his watch.
24
This is obviously not Yankee Stadium where security beats you up for getting into your own car if it occurs during a game!
2
Although it won't completely solve the problem, it's clear that M. Ysern must be relieved of his responsibilities and replaced with someone who is both committed to player security and capable of providing it. He has failed multiple times to protect the players - and what task could be more important in terms of evaluating his abilities? Someone is sponsoring this tournament - whoever it is needs to act, and promptly. Will it take a tragedy to get Roland Garros to take this seriously?
17
It was bad enough to see this kid run all the way across the court at Federer, but to be allowed to wander off the court without an escort is totally unacceptable.
19
I couldn't believe it - the guard responds to Federer's hand signals, comes over and breaks up the interaction and then...nothing. The kid is allowed to wander down the sideline, then across the back of the court and who knows where after that. Just incredible.
Security guards should have escorted this kid out of the stadium and off the grounds immediately.
Security guards should have escorted this kid out of the stadium and off the grounds immediately.
7
Just a reminder that it's France... They let anyone in!
2
The head of Security at the French Open should have to explain why he shouldn't be fired, and whom he or she will actually fire. In an American ballpark such a person would be tackled immediately, before anyone makes a decision about their apparent attitude. That is "security". I don't care how overprivileged you think athletes are, you can't run events this way and not expect a disaster. Aside from that, no one should be made to feel so objectified even if they commit the crime of having great talent to profit from.
BTW this would never happen to (insert whichever pop or movie star you happen to consider a no-talent)
BTW this would never happen to (insert whichever pop or movie star you happen to consider a no-talent)
11
This is insane. Security must be heighten in France at all big sports events since Charlie Hebdo and the Boston Marathon. The director of the French Open, Ysern, absolutely is derelict in his responsibilities making light of the intrusion and should resign if that is his response.
32
Where was his mother?
11
He was with his father who apparently didn't teach his kid any discipline either. He was also banned from the rest of the tournament -- along with his son.
5
Didn't you mean where were his parents, or parent? Why is the mother always assumed to have the child care responsibility?
2
The French security is inexcusably slack. I remember a man ran out on the court and attempted to put a beret on Federer's head in the Final one year. The "security" was so slow and should be ashamed. Not much has changed there. If this had happened at the US Open, more players would be quick to complain about it and agree with Roger instead of playing this outrageous behavior down.
14
Federer is 100 percent correct. There should be zero tolerance for breaking security. Security is security. it is insulting to just say sorry but he didst seem like a threat.
32
I liked in the old NFL days, when players like Ditka and Curtis just laid out jerks like these...
14
Seems like the security is not well-trained, making snap judgements as a clown makes his way to a player shouldn't be an option. The only response should be swift removal of this miscreant before he reaches the player. Don't let the bozo be in charge of player safety. Once he is in close proximity fewer things become preventable.
23
The security guards should also be banned from the rest of the tournament. In a sport where a fan stabbed the top-ranked player on the court, there's no excuse for allowing this fan to come within 10 feet of a player.
29
I find what happened today to be extremely disturbing and for tournament referee to state that security wasn't breached is laughable.
A fan should not have gotten that close to any player while security stands there in a suit. Roger has every right to question whether they're doing their job.
This is the 3rd time this has happened and we hope that someone will bad intentions won't try.
The security guards on that court should be relieved of their jobs and the tournament director also relieved of his duties
A fan should not have gotten that close to any player while security stands there in a suit. Roger has every right to question whether they're doing their job.
This is the 3rd time this has happened and we hope that someone will bad intentions won't try.
The security guards on that court should be relieved of their jobs and the tournament director also relieved of his duties
36
"The guards are well prepared. If a guy went running on the court with an aggressive attitude, he would not have made it to the player."
And if the fan had managed to disguise his aggressive attitude until he was close enough to do harm?
And if the fan had managed to disguise his aggressive attitude until he was close enough to do harm?
39
Sad situation. This should not have occurred. Perhaps, security is neglected for more high profile show business. That must change before another player is injured or worse via Monica Seles route. If players boycotted any tournament that didn't provide them adequate security, conditions would change pronto. Are tennis officials waiting for ISIS to strike? Prevention is worth a pound of cure. attributed to Benj. Franklin
33
It should be treated like the assault that it is...
this kind of vulgar, self-centered, ignorant behavior is far too common....
'selfie' indeed! so what does that make Federer, the scenery ?
this kind of vulgar, self-centered, ignorant behavior is far too common....
'selfie' indeed! so what does that make Federer, the scenery ?
78
Not a fan of fed at all but in this case hes absolutely correct. Disgrace that anyone should be able to acess the court as easy as this! The guy could easily have been carrying a weapon! Poor poor security for an event of this size.
34
Shocking, egregious, outrageous. And this is news?
3
Yes.
9
Why? It needs to be pointed out here. What? People should just be allowed to breach and perform acts of self aggrandizement? Whenever they want? I don't think so.
2
Yes, it's news. Precisely because it exposed a serious security lapse in a place where people performing expect to be safe when doing their jobs. What's your problem with that?
4
French officials should be ashamed of such lax precautions.
45
Ysern: "The guards are well prepared. If a guy went running on the court with an aggressive attitude, he would not have made it to the player."
What a poor excuse for horrendous security measures...And if the kid, or someone who were not initially aggressive, were carrying a concealed weapon, then what?
What a poor excuse for horrendous security measures...And if the kid, or someone who were not initially aggressive, were carrying a concealed weapon, then what?
72
Such an upset, grumpy man. Where would he even be without the adoration of tennis fans?
1
You have to be either kidding or very naive. Did you not read the article? Are you not aware of the stabbing of Monika Seles by a fan of her opponent? There is no way for security to know that the intruder has innocent intentions.
103
To quote John McEnroe "you can not be serious".
28
Abraham:
You do not know what you are talking about. Federer is absolutely correct in his
reaction. Boy may have a concealed weapon even though he was 14. Next thing you know Federer got shot or stabbed.
You do not know what you are talking about. Federer is absolutely correct in his
reaction. Boy may have a concealed weapon even though he was 14. Next thing you know Federer got shot or stabbed.
5
Unbelievable that this happened in Paris of all places and to Federer, of all people, again. The security guards in their nice suits are not getting it done. Get rid of these clowns, and while you're at it FFT the tournament director, and bring in some real pros vite! The video of the kid just wandering away on Chatrier says it all.
46
What security? Look at what happened with the incidents at the White House?
Banned for the remainder of the tournament? He should have been arrested. And then banned for life from going there.
Banned for the remainder of the tournament? He should have been arrested. And then banned for life from going there.
50