WATCH: Thiem bumped from presser by French Open organizers for Serena

Dominic Thiem has been battling all tournament long to back up his 2018 runner-up effort at Roland Garros, dropping a set in each of his first three matches. He didn’t realize he would also need to stand his ground in the media center.

During his post-match press conference on Saturday, Thiem was bumped from the main interview room by organizers in favor of Serena Williams, who unexpectedly went out in straight sets to countrywoman Sofia Kenin. The fourth-seeded Thiem had finished the English portion of his presser, before an Austrian reporter was cut off mid-sentence to make way for Williams.

Thiem was moved to interview room two to resume his discussion. He was understandably frustrated at the tournament’s decision, as players generally agree to a time slot when requested by media.

“I don’t really get it, seriously," remarked Thiem. “I mean, what the hell? It’s a joke. What’s my point of that? I have to leave the room because she’s coming."

The 25-year-old then decided to cut his interview short, stating, "Well I’ll leave also then. I’m not standing around. I can also do whatever I want.”

Thiem will face French hopeful and No. 14 seed Gael Monfils in the round of 16 on Monday.

Following his fourth-round win over Leonardo Mayer on Sunday, Roger Federer was asked for his thoughts on the debacle from a day earlier, revealing he shared a laugh with Thiem after watching his reaction.

"I don't think he's mad at Serena or anybody. I just think it was an unfortunate situation that I thought was funny (laughter) and we joked about it just before. That's why I'm very much aware of what happened, and that's why we are laughing in the locker room about it now," said Federer.

"His 'What is going on? It's a joke.', how he said it was great. I love his accent (laughter). In German, too, by the way, not just in English. And he knows that."

But Thiem has since played down his reaction, saying just that Williams should have agreed to stay till he was done.

"I don’t know if she saw me or if she saw that somebody’s in the room. So if she would have seen me, then it would be nicer from her," Thiem said. "But, I mean, it’s also understandable, in a sort of way. She lost and everything. So I think it was a little bit mistake of her, mistake of the officials, but as I said, it’s forgotten."

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