Wimbledon star refuses to play on until 'crazy' fan is ejected as she bursts into tears on court
Wimbledon star refuses to play on until 'crazy' fan is ejected as she bursts into tears on court
Yulia Putintseva was left in tears during her first round defeat to Amanda Anisimova as the world number 33 had to ask security staff to remove a spectator from the grounds
Yulia Putintseva cited safety and security concerns at Wimbledon on Monday
(Image:)
Yulia Putintseva called for a Wimbledon spectator to be removed during her first-round match, citing safety and security concerns.
The world number 33 signalled the audience member's "crazy" and "dangerous" behaviour to the umpire while playing against Amanda Anisimova on Court 15.
A Wimbledon spokesperson later confirmed that the matter was "dealt with" promptly. Putintseva voiced her worries while down 3-0 in the first set, opting to address the issue during a changeover.
The tennis star was seen pointing out an individual in green in the stands, as she told officials (via the Mirror): "Can you take him out, I am not going to continue playing until he leaves. These people are dangerous, they are crazy."
Despite the chair umpire consulting with three security staff, Putintseva hesitated to play on until assured of a resolution. The tennis star was clearly shaken by the incident, as she added: "Take him out, because maybe he has a knife."
The tense situation appeared to impact the Kazakhstani's performance, culminating in a swift loss to Anisimova. The match-up was sealed in 45 minutes at scores of 6-0, 6-0, and Putintseva avoided giving any post-match interviews.
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The tennis star was left shaken by the incident
(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images )
Scoring only 21 points throughout, she made 14 unforced errors. This was her second 'double bagel' loss in her career; the previous occasion was at New Haven in 2017, when Alize Cornet beat her by the same scoreline.
Anisimova told the BBC that she believed a spectator had been speaking out "when [Putintseva] was about to serve", which had likely put her off. She added: "I am sure that we were protected."
Earlier on in the day, AELTC Chief Executive Sally Bolton commented on any growing security concerns, as she said: "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."
Security officials were called into action on Monday
(Image: BBC )
This incident occurred during an exceptionally hot day at the championships, with a new record temperature set at a whopping 32.3 degrees by 4pm on Monday. This scorching heat exceeded the previous opening-day temperature record set in 2001, which was 29.3 degrees.
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Players were forced to cope with the sweltering heat using ice packs, cold towels and ample hydration during breaks.
Meanwhile, spectators took refuge under hats and umbrellas, and hand-held fans became the accessory of choice to combat the heat. The forecast suggests another scorching day is in store on Tuesday, with temperatures expected to once again top the 30 mark.
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