A first round match was interrupted. The reason for this were activists who entered the court
The Wimbledon tennis duel between Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov and Japan’s Shō Shimabukuro was interrupted in the second set. At 6:1, 1:0 for Dimitrov, several environmental activists ran onto the grass court number 18.
Two people from the organisation “Just Stop Oil” wore T-shirts with appropriate inscriptions. The woman handed out confetti and puzzle pieces, the man sat down on the grass. Both were taken away by security forces and the square was cleaned with leaf blowers.
Wimbledon organisers announced on Twitter, “Following an incident on court 18, two people have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and damage to property and have now been removed from the site.” It added: “Play on the pitch has been temporarily suspended and after a break due to rain, play will resume soon. “
Just stop oil sitting protest on court 18 as Grigor Dimitrov plays Sho Shimabukuro. Two protestors burst onto court with orange confetti. WIMBLEDON pic.twitter.com/33ogjUhSre
– Qasa (@QasaAlom) July 5, 2023
Security controls tightened
Security checks had been tightened at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club this year due to concerns about protests. This led to long queues at the entrance on the first three days. Stewards had been instructed to search all bags extra thoroughly.
The confetti and puzzle pieces had been smuggled in by the activists in the box of a puzzle that showed a picture of the centre court. The organisation campaigns against the extraction and use of fossil fuels, calling for the UK government to focus more on more sustainable alternatives.
The match was completed in three sets. Bulgarian Dimitrov won 6:1, 6:2 and 6:1 to advance to the 2nd round.
