A protester set himself on fire ahead of Roger Federer’s final game at the Laver Cup.
The incident happened at the O2 Arena on Friday, as the unnamed man was protesting against climate change.
AFP
The scene stunned onlookers in London
AFP
Security storms the scene
After sitting down next to the net, the man set his right arm on fire and was heard screaming in pain.
He managed to prevent the flames from spreading to other parts of his body by pushing them away.
Security then managed to catch him and put out the remaining flames.
The man was then carried off the pitch to the shock of onlookers.
The moment came before the start of the second set in Stefanos Tsitsipas’ 6-2 6-1 win over Diego Schwartzman.
The Laver Cup organizers said: “A man went to court this afternoon and was quickly removed by security.
Rex
Staff managed to put out the flames before they spread
“The game was interrupted briefly, it has been stopped and the situation is being handled by the police.”
Tsitsipas, 24, said: “It came out of nowhere. I have no idea what this is about.
“I’ve never had an incident like this on the court, so hopefully he’s okay.
“I wanted to continue this game without making any minor changes to the pitch, and I wanted to make sure it was playable, especially in that area.
AFP
Federer’s last career game will be at the Laver Cup
“It also hindered me in my visual experience of the court, the way I saw the court later.
“There was a big mark there, and I wanted it cleaned up so I could carry on as before.”
The Laver Cup marks Federer’s final ATP Tour event, after he previously announced his impending retirement.
The Swiss star will play alongside Rafael Nadal, as they take on Americans Francis Tiafoe and Jack Sock in a men’s doubles clash tonight.
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