Wimbledon 2023: Andy Murray believes there is ‘good chance’ of disruption from Just Stop Oil protesters at SW19

Andy Murray thinks there is a “good chance” Wimbledon will be disrupted by Just Stop Oil protesters.

Wimbledon organisers have urged players not to “try a Jonny Bairstow” if Just Stop Oil protesters attempt to spray orange paint over Centre Court.

Just Stop Oil recently targeted the second Ashes Test which saw England’s Bairstow carry a protester off the pitch at Lord’s.

There have also been incidents at the Grand National, the World Snooker Championship and the Premiership Rugby final this year.

The All England Club had updated its conditions for entry which states that spray paint and glue are banned, amid fears the environmental activist group may attempt to break onto a court.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Murray says he agrees with Just Stop Oil’s cause in calling for the UK Government to stop licensing all new oil, gas and coal projects, but thinks they should find “a different way” to make their voice heard.

“I think there is probably a good chance of something happening here,” he said.

“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.

“I didn’t see what Jonny Bairstow did, but it could be dangerous. 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 racquets in their hands.

“I agree with the cause – just not always how they go about expressing it. Rather than running on the court, maybe they could do it a different way.”

Murray will play his opening match against fellow Brit Ryan Peniston on Tuesday.

British No. 1 Cameron Norrie says that players are anticipating disruption, but says he will be prepared should any protesters interrupt a match he is playing in.

“It could happen, and hopefully it happens at the best moment possible for me to break the rhythm [of my opponent]!,” he joked.

“But it is what it is and I’ll have to deal with it, and it’s been happening more and more so let’s see.”

Norrie’s first-round match is against Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac, also on Tuesday.

– – –