Wimbledon prepared for Just Stop Oil protesters, tell players not to make similar intervention to Jonny Bairstow at Ashes

With the possibility of potential protests lurking in the shadows, Wimbledon organizers are taking necessary precautions to ensure the smooth running of the tournament.

The environmental activist group, Just Stop Oil, could be targeting the prestigious event, as the group has made recent disruptions at similar sporting events, including the Grand National, the World Snooker Championship, and the second Ashes Test. 

During the second Ashes Test at Lord's, England cricketer Jonny Bairstow tackled a protester who had entered the field carrying a can of orange paint. Bairstow intercepted the intruder, removing him from the field before handing him over to security. As a result, Wimbledon officials are urging players not to imitate Bairstow, stating they should leave intervention to specialized professionals.

British No.1 Cam Norrie acknowledged the possibility of protests, adding that players had been warned by tournament security in Queen's.

"Actually, at Queen’s, they were talking about the possibility of protests as well," revealed Norrie. "One of the security guards said there was a good chance maybe one day, they were gonna come on and so just to be ready for it.

"It could happen and hopefully it happens at the best moment possible to me to break the rhythm of my opponent! 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.”