Andy Murray expects that Just Stop Oil protesters will mar this fortnight’s Wimbledon. He has even discussed with his family the best way to react if intruders confront him on Centre Court during the fortnight.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club are on red alert against the threat. All week undercover agents have been trying to smuggle in dummy packages of orange-dyed lentils to test bag-search staff among a series of measures including trained spotters among the crowds.
Just Stop Oil have already targeted the World Snooker Championships, where orange powder was released over one of the Crucible tables, and the second Ashes test at Lord’s. In light of this, Murray simply urged those trying to make their voices heard to stay well away from the players.
“I think there is probably a good chance of something happening,” he said. “I am not sure how many times I have had somebody run on the court when I am actually playing. It may have been once but I am not sure it has been more than that.
“I was talking about it with my family the other day. I don’t know, if somebody ran onto the court and came towards you, what your reaction would be to that because you don’t know who it is or what they are doing or why they are doing it.”
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At Lord’s, one protester was given short shrift by England’s wicket-keeper Johnny Bairstow, who physically lifted him back over the boundary ropes. “I didn’t see what Bairstow did, but it could be dangerous,“ Murray said.
“I don’t know if they would attach themselves to the net or throw something onto the court – they have to be a bit careful going too near to tennis players who have obviously got rackets in their hands…”
The last time the sanctity of Centre Court was invaded by protesters was in 2006 when a match involving Roger Federer and Mario Ancic was hijacked by Fathers for Justice protester who mocked up a game of their own before being frogmarched off court.
Ironically, the two-time Wimbledon champion has always been a keen supporter of climate change issues. “I agree with the cause – just not always how they go about expressing it,” he said. “Rather than running on the court, maybe they could do it a different way.”