Thiem rages at press conference eviction for Serena

Austrian star Dominic Thiem was left fuming after apparently being kicked out of his own Roland Garros media conference so that a defeated Serena Williams could be accommodated instead.

Thiem, the fourth seed in the men's event and the 2018 runner-up, was conducting his post-match press obligations after reaching the last 16 on Saturday.

However, he was then informed that the main interview room was needed by American superstar Williams who had just suffered a third round loss to Sofia Kenin.

It was the 23-time Grand Slam title winner's earliest exit at a Slam in almost five years and she was eager to be away from the tournament site as quickly as possible.

"It's a joke," said 25-year-old Thiem to media officers after being told he should finish his interviews in a smaller room.

"I have to leave the room because she's coming. What the hell, I don't care. I can also do whatever I want." There was no indication as to who had decided to shift Thiem mid-flow.

However, French sports daily .