Wimbledon warns of crack down on stunts

Wimbledon organisers today warned that security screens could be introduced between players and fans at future tournaments following two high-profile stunts on Centre Court.

First a streaker bared all on Centre Court on Tuesday during Maria Sharapova’s quarter final win over Elena Dementieva to get publicity for a Dutch television programme.

Today, two fathers’ rights campaigners were arrested after attempting to play a rally next to Swiss ace Roger Federer.

A spokesman for the All England Club said: “It will be a shame if the antics of a few selfish idiots were to ruin it for everyone else in the future and that it meant we may have to put more permanent measures in place to prevent people gaining access to the court.

“Clearly, we hope this will not be the case.”

Measures being considered were the introduction of screens, fences and extra security staff.

Earlier today, rumours were circulating that a stunt was about to take place and that security had been ramped up as a consequence.

Security has already been stepped up this year after the July 7 London tube bombings. All day pass holders now have to go through airport style scanners and overnight campers queuing for the best tickers have to pitch their tents away from the perimeter of the grounds in an attempt to deter suicide bombers.

The fathers’ rights campaigners came onto Centre Court during the defending champion’s match against Mario Ancic of Croatia.

Wearing T-Shirts with a version of the Wimbledon logo and Family Law It’s a Racket emblazoned across it, they attempted to play a rally before security men rushed on court and ushered them off.

Simon Wright, 30, from Brighton, and Alan Jamieson, 41, from Manchester, said they were both members of Real Fathers 4 Justice, a breakaway group from Fathers 4 Justice.

Before being led away, Mr Wright said: “There have been 20 family law court cases and still I don’t get to see my child and this is what I have had to resort to.”

A police spokesman confirmed: “Two persons tried to disrupt play and they were swiftly arrested.”

The All England Club spokesman said: “The security operation at Wimbledon starts outside the grounds with the X-ray searching of bags, electronic detector arches and body searching.

“Inside the grounds, while always the subject of close scrutiny, it is a tough compromise between containment and allowing the great views and closeness to the action that spectators have traditionally enjoyed.

“In this case, it was quickly apparent that the individuals posed no threat to the players or the public and the incident was dealt with summarily and swiftly.”

Despite today’s on court intrusion and several rain interruptions Federer cruised into the semi-finals with a straight-sets victory over Mario Ancic.

“Usually rain delays slow you up but they really got me going. I came out of the blocks each time,” Federer said.