Tennis historians remember 1993. A once vibrant and dominant, Monica Seles was sitting in a chair during a net change. Suddenly, a deranged German fan plunged a knife into her upper back and shoulder. She screamed in agony and the assailant was tackled by security. Seles was never the same after that attack.

Yesterday, Roger Federer tied Pete Sampras for most Grand Slam victories by winning the French Open at Roland Garros (Paris, France). He beat a game, Robin Soderling from Sweden in a stirling, three-match sweep.

Unfortunately, the match was rudely interrupted by another deranged “super” fan. A man wearing an dark orange uniform burst from the gallery. He charged Federer and waved a similar colored “Champions” flag. Federer flinched and stepped back. The man tried to put a hat on the 13-time major champion. The terrifying incident took perhaps 30 seconds to a minute. However, no one came to Federer’s aid. It was apparent that the athlete was emotionally shaken.

Eventually, security chased and then took down the lunatic. Federer regained his composure and became the greatest tennis player alive.