A Roland Garros game interrupted by an environmental activist

 

An environmental activist wearing a T-shirt that read "We have 1028 days left" interrupted the men's French Open semi-final between Casper Ruud and 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic by using wires and Glue tied to the net and knelt on the floor.

The game was delayed by 13 minutes in a match, with Ruud serving in the decider as he led Philippe Chatrier 3-6, 6-4, 4-1, 15 on the court.

"The young woman, of French nationality, entered the court at the beginning of the day with a valid ticket," the French Tennis Federation said in a statement released after Ruud won in four sets to reach his first Grand Slam final.

He meets 13-time French Open champion, Rafael Nadal, for the title on Sunday. Chat On Games

The protester remained on the ground for several minutes before four security guards approached her, unhooked her, and finally carried her away.

"The security team had to positively identify the items they had entered the field with before they could remove them," the federation said, adding that it had been "handed over to the police." Tournament Director Amelie Mauresmo watched near the entrance to the pitch and the two players we escorted to the dressing room during the episode.

"I didn't really know how to react, and...I didn't know if she was holding onto anything," Ruud said.

"I didn't see too much. So it was a bit awkward and difficult situation. That had never happened to me before. Eventually, Ruud and Cilic came back and had three minutes to warm up before continuing their semi-final. Cilic said the disruption did not affect his level of play.

There have been other episodes over the years of people interrupting games at Court Philippe Chatrier.

In the 2013 men's final, a topless man jumped onto the pitch with a torch. In 2009 final, a man approached Roger Federer and tried to put a hat on his head. In 2003 final, a male speedster crossed the net. Referral link