During her first-round match at Wimbledon, world number 33 Yulia Putintseva encountered a tense situation that led her to request the ejection of a spectator. The incident occurred on court 15 during her match against Amanda Anisimova.

The Incident

Putintseva, 30, approached the umpire early in the match, describing the spectator as "crazy" and "dangerous." She insisted, "Can you take him out, I am not going to continue playing until he leaves. These people are dangerous, they are crazy." She pointed towards a section of the crowd, identifying the individual by his green attire.

Security Response

The chair umpire promptly descended to the court to consult with three security personnel. Despite assurances that play would resume, Putintseva expressed reluctance, stating, "Take him out, because maybe he has a knife." The match continued after the spectator was removed, but Putintseva struggled emotionally and ultimately lost 6-0, 6-0 in just 45 minutes.

Club Statement

A spokesperson for the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) confirmed, "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." Anisimova, her opponent, noted that the spectator had been vocal during Putintseva's serves but felt protected by the security measures in place.

Broader Security Context

AELTC chief executive Sally Bolton emphasized the club's commitment to player safety, stating, "We're well-versed in the measures that need to be put in place so players can go about playing here in the confidence they're being well looked after." This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining security and ensuring a safe environment for players and spectators alike at major sporting events.

Conclusion

Putintseva's experience underscores the importance of vigilance and swift action in addressing safety concerns in professional tennis. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical role security plays in the integrity of the sport.