'Dope tester' tried to trick Venus

Leo Spall|Laura Burkin12 April 2012

Tennis security was under fresh scrutiny today after it emerged that a man impersonating a drug tester tried to persuade world No1 Venus Williams to let him give her a test.

Drug tests can be taken anywhere at any time without warning and the man apparently threatened to have her banned from playing if she did not cooperate.

The American star was not fooled and refused, but the scare has prompted the Women's Tennis Association to reconsider security procedures for drug tests.

The incident happened in California as Ms Williams prepared for Wimbledon. She had earlier criticised outofcompetition drug tests because of the dangers. Her younger sister Serena has employed a full-time security guard after problems with a stalker.

The latest revelation again throws the spotlight on security after three highprofile breaches at Wimbledon. Last week two jokers got onto Centre Court in tennis kit and knocked balls about until they were escorted away. The Evening Standard revealed how on Friday a man was able to enter the players' lounge unchallenged and have his photograph taken with Anna Kournikova.

Today it emerged that tennis fans Stephen Proctor and John Ghebre, both 17, were also able to get close to stars such as Tim Henman, Mary Pierce and Conchita Martinez in the foyer of the player's lounge on Monday.

They then roamed around the media interview rooms, walking past the men's dressing rooms and taking photographs around the royal box on Centre Court. Proctor said today: "The security guards took no notice of us. They were more interested in talking about what time they were going home."

An All England Club spokesman said: "As with any lapse of security we aim to find out how it happened and take action. If it means sharpening up procedures then it's something we must do."

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