Andy Murray has warned Just Stop Oil protesters ahead of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships after their threats.
The Wimbledon Championships is traditionally one of the most-watched sports events in the world. It draws millions of eyeballs annually, not just via TV but also at the legendary venue.
Therefore, it was not surprising when Just Stop Oil activists threatened the tournament organizers with a possible protest. In response to those threats, the All England Club tried to increase safety, but the protest remains a possibility.
Naturally, the country's tennis legend, Andy Murray, was asked about those threats, and the three-time Grand Slam champion feels there is a 'good chance' that a protest will occur this year.
"I think there is probably a good chance of something happening. 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."
The British player admitted that he tried preparing himself for a situation that might occur. Being vulnerable on the tennis court, he would probably try to look for his own safety, not knowing what the person might be up to.
"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."
However, Murray is also aware that, on the court, he will be equipped to defend himself in case any of the protesters want to attack the players, as they have rackets in their hands.
"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!"
Murray also admitted that while he agrees with the cause, he doesn't agree with the protests as a way of expressing it.
"I would imagine probably something would happen here. I mean, 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. I didn’t see what Jonny Bairstow did, but it could be dangerous."