Protesters With Flares Interrupt French Open Final

Protesters have briefly interrupted the French Open final between Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer, with one man jumping onto the court with a fiery flare spurting white smoke.

The man surged from the crowd near Nadal late in the second set Sunday. Security personnel pushed him to the ground and quickly dragged him away. Another guard stood near Nadal, protecting him while the protester was subdued. The seven-time French Open champion later shook the bodyguard's hand before resuming play. The match was only briefly delayed.

Moments earlier, two people interrupted play by chanting while holding a banner in the upper deck of Court Philippe Chatrier until security led them away.

Other protesters also brandishing red flares climbed to the top of the adjacent Court Suzanne Lenglen and unfurled a banner calling for the resignation of French President Francois Hollande.

Nadal became the first man to win eight titles at the same Grand Slam tournament after beating fellow Spaniard David Ferrer in the French Open final, 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.

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