Wimbledon star Yulia Putintseva asked for a fan to be ejected from her match against Amanda Anisimova over fears they were carrying a knife.
The incident occurred during a change of ends in the first set of Putintseva’s first-round defeat to Anisimova on court 15 on Monday.
Kazakhstani world No.33 Putintseva described the spectator as ‘dangerous’ and ‘crazy’ – refusing to play on until they were booted out.
An All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) spokesperson confirmed that the incident was ‘dealt with’ and the match continued as Anisimova registered a 6-0 6-0 victory.
‘I’m not going to continue playing until he leaves’
‘Can you take him out, I’m not going to continue playing until he leaves,’ Putintseva asked the chair umpire when trailing 3-0 in the opening set.
‘These people are dangerous, they are crazy. Take him out, because maybe he has a knife.’
Putintseva pointed to where the spectator was sat in the crowd and identified them by the colour of their clothing so they could be removed.
The umpire was then seen speaking to three members of security staff after coming down onto the court before play eventually resumed.
AELTC confirm ‘the matter was dealt with’
‘Following a complaint about the behaviour of a spectator at the match on court 15, the chair umpire informed security and the matter was dealt with,’ an AELTC spokesperson told the BBC.
AELTC chief executive Sally Bolton, speaking earlier on Monday, added: ‘We’re well-versed in [security] measures that need to be put in place so players can go about playing here in the confidence they’re being well looked after.’
Putintseva did not speak to the media after the match but Anisimova believes the fan said something when her opponent was about to serve.
How Wimbledon keeps players and spectators safe
Wimbledon has various protocols and safety measures to keep players and spectators safe. These include mandatory bag checks, restrictions on certain items and a significant CCTV surveillance system.
All attendees – even the media -are subject to bag checks upon entry.
Prohibited items include weapons, dangerous objects, drugs and items that could be used as weapons.
Raducanu stalker fails to buy Wimbledon tickets
It’s not the first time women’s safety has been a talking point at this year’s Championships after Emma Raducanu’s stalker tried – and failed – to purchase Wimbledon 2025 tickets.
The AELTC’s security measures spotted the stalker had been red-flagged and blocked his attempt to enter the Wimbledon public ballot.
‘Wimbledon and everyone did an amazing job,’ Raducanu told the BBC. ‘I got a notification, the police contacted me and told me everything was OK.
‘I know that I am not the first athlete to go through this, and I probably won’t be the last – not just as an athlete, but females in general.’