The tournament director of the French Open has labelled the flare-wielding protester who interrupted Sunday's men's singles final between Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer as 'pathetic'.

The man who invaded Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros was campaigning against gay marriage in France following the passing of the same-sex marriage bill, which legalised gay adoption.

Nadal had just gone 5-1 up in the second set when the bare-chested man leapt out of the crowd near the umpire's chair and on to Court Philippe Chatrier, carrying a flare. He was tackled by security staff and wrestled to the ground just off the court.

The incident came minutes after play had been briefly interrupted when protesters high in the stands began chanting.

The tournament director at Roland Garros, Gilbert Ysern, said: "I don't want to give any additional publicity to these people, who sadly have a lack of respect for sport and sportsmen. It's just pathetic.

"I have no wish to speak about it, quite honestly. The only thing I will [say] is that luckily our security services did a great job."

It is the second time in five years an intruder has managed to get on to Court Philippe Chatrier during the men's final. In 2009, a man dressed in a Spanish bullfighter's outfit was able to confront Roger Federer before being stopped by security staff.