Federer, Wawrinka lead French Open Day 1 winners
PARIS—Roger Federer was not amused.
As Federer finished an interview after his first-round French Open victory Sunday, an overzealous fan approached the 17-time major champion right there on the main stadium court in search of the most modern of mementos—a cellphone selfie.
At first, Federer seemed startled. Then he looked uncomfortable, trying to brush away the unexpected guest, who appeared to be in his teens, before a guard led the spectator away.
“I’m not happy about it. Obviously, not (for) one second (am I) happy about it,” Federer said, adding that something similar happened a day earlier, when several kids interrupted his practice session. “I think I can speak on behalf of all the players—that’s where you want to feel safe.”
Like No. 2 Federer, who beat Colombia’s Alejandro Falla, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4, most seeded players progressed without a hitch.
No. 5 Kei Nishikori and No. 8 Stan Wawrinka, who both exited in the first round last year, won in straight sets, as did No. 24 Ernests Gulbis, a 2014 semifinalist. The only seeded men gone were No. 25 Ivo Karlovic, beaten 7-6 (6), 6-4, 6-4 by Marcos Baghdatis, and No. 26 Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, edged 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (1), 3-6, 6-3 by 56th-ranked Steve Johnson of California.
Two seeded women headed home, too: No. 25 Peng Shuai quit after being treated for a back injury, and No. 31 Caroline Garcia. Among the winners were 2014 finalist Simona Halep and 2008 champion Ana Ivanovic.
No. 4 Tomas Berdych also reached the second round on Monday with a 6-0, 7-5, 6-3 win over Japanese qualifier Yoshihito Nishioka.
Defending champion Maria Sharapova and men’s third seed Andy Murray get their bids underway on Monday against Estonian Kaia Kanepi and Argentine qualifier Facundo Arguello, respectively.