Archive July 2, 2025

World number 33 Yulia Putintseva has shed some light on the security concerns she raised during her first-round defeat at Wimbledon, saying a male spectator was “screaming” between her serves and that it was “political”.

The 30-year-old said “people nowadays are acting too crazy about many things” and she had wanted the umpire to “take him out” of the crowd.

Early on in Monday’s match against Amanda Anisimova, Putintseva described the fan as “crazy” and “dangerous” and later warned the umpire that “maybe he has a knife”.

Asked about the incident following her doubles defeat on Wednesday, the Russian-born Kazakhstani told BBC Sport: “I said it because the guy was saying something crazy. I feel like those people might be crazy, maybe not. Maybe it’s just my point of view. But I was just saying ‘just take him out’. “

She confirmed she did not know the man.

Pressed on what she had heard him saying, she said: “He was actually talking about, like, political stuff. And I’m really outside of the political so I don’t want anyone on my match, when they are coming to see tennis, saying anything political. “

The chair umpire spoke to members of security after Putintseva voiced her concerns, and a spokesperson for the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) said the matter had been “dealt with”.

The club’s operations manager said security protocols were followed.

The BBC understands the spectator in question left the stands on court 15 of his own accord.

Asked if she thought it had been handled appropriately, Putintseva said: “I just think that people nowadays are acting too crazy about many things, and yeah, I think the security just have to be prepared.

Gary Woodland will be part of his first Ryder Cup in September – two years after undergoing brain surgery.

It will be in a non-playing role, with United States captain Keegan Bradley naming the 41-year-old as his fifth and final vice-captain for the 45th Ryder Cup, which will take place at the Bethpage Black course in New York from 25-28 September.

Woodland, who won the 2019 US Open, joins Jim Furyk, Kevin Kisner, Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker as vice-captains on a US team aiming to regain the trophy after Europe claimed a 16½-11½ victory in Rome in 2023.

“Keegan’s passion for this event is contagious and I am thrilled to be a part of it,” Woodland said.

“With just over two months to go until we arrive at Bethpage, I am fully committed to doing everything I can to help Keegan as well as our team of vice-captains and players.”

Four-time PGA Tour winner Woodland represented his country in the 2019 Presidents Cup and recently received the PGA Tour Courage Award in recognition of his return to the sport after having surgery to remove a brain tumour in 2023.

His appointment could also take on greater importance given 39-year-old Bradley, who won the Travellers Championship last month and is ranked seventh in the world, is on course to become the first playing captain in a Ryder Cup since Arnold Palmer in 1963.

“I have an incredible amount of respect and admiration for Gary and all he has accomplished in this game,” said Bradley.

“As a major champion and someone who is still competing at a high level, he is well aware of the demands of performing on golf’s biggest stages.

University student Ollie Tarvet was unable to create one of the biggest shocks in Wimbledon history as the Briton’s dream run came to an end against two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

The 21-year-old qualifier put up an entertaining fight – showing signs of his vast potential – but ultimately lost 6-1 6-4 6-4 on Centre Court.

Ranked 733rd in the world, Tarvet created 11 break points against the five-time Grand Slam champion.

But the Englishman – who studies in the United States – could only take two of those opportunities and never looked like seriously causing an upset.

“I want to give credit to Oliver – I love his game,” said second seed Alcaraz, who secured a 20th match win in a row.

“The level he played in his first match on Centre Court, which I know is difficult, was great.

“I knew I had to be really focused from the beginning. I’m happy with my performance.”

Tarvet’s run of four victories – three in qualifying and another in the first round proper – means he should be taking home prize money of £99,000.

However, he is only allowed to claim $10,000 (£7,290) in profit every year under American college rules, as well as any expenses incurred during the events.