WIMBLEDON fans will no longer be able to grab tennis stars for autographs and selfies – under plans to build a tunnel for players to get into the All England Club.
The new layout is intended to get players securely into the ground without having to walk through mass crowds – which will make players safer and reduce headaches for security.
But it will also substantially reduce the chance of the general public to come into contact with the stars – particularly those fans who cannot get tickets onto Centre Court and so could now not see the most famous players in the flesh at all.
Work is expected to be completed by next year.
The plans were revealed earlier this week by the director of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) Martin Guntrip.
Speaking in the Lanson champagne suite, he said: “We will also have a tunnel where the players can walk through from where they are dropped off to the main site. The tunnel is actually there but not finished. That is for security.
“It is always a bit of a challenge.”
A source said: “Over the years it has been harder to keep selfie hunters at bay when stars are passing through the grounds to court, they often get mobbed.
“Bosses are confident that the revolutionary tunnel will reassure both the tennis stars and the security bosses.”
An AELTC spokeswoman said:“Following the successful completion of the No.1 Court Project, improvements to our Somerset Road site will be addressed as the next stage of the Master Plan.
“The improvements will include the construction of six clay courts to unlock part of the southern Grounds for future development; six new indoor courts and improved indoor facilities for competitors’ use; the construction of an underground car park with 350 spaces and around 40 electric charging points, which will be the hub of The Championships’ courtesy car operation; and the relocated competitor drop-off and accreditation area.
The underground walkway will provide a convenient and seamless connection between the arrivals area and the rest of the competitor facilities.”
It comes as The Met Police also stated that a “wide range of policing tactics will be deployed during the event to prevent crime.”
Superintendent Jo Edwards, who is in charge of the policing of this year’s Championships, said: “It is fantastic that south west London hosts what is one of the most anticipated annual events in sport, attracting hundreds of thousands of tennis fans.
“It is our job to prevent crime and ensure everyone’s safety so fans can enjoy the spectacle, and we have been working closely with The All England Lawn Tennis Club, British Transport Police and other partners to help deliver a memorable event.
“All eyes will be on the world-class tennis on display, but we would urge people in the grounds and the local area to be vigilant and report anything unusual or suspicious to security staff and/or a police officer, or by calling 999.”
