British ex-No.1 tennis star ‘banned’ from Wimbledon after Nigel Farage fallout
Former tennis star Christopher ‘Buster’ Mottram was left devastated after reportedly being barred from Wimbledon.
The controversial 71-year-old, an ex-British No.1, is said to have been informed he was no longer permitted at the All England Club “following further misdemeanours” in 2023, according to fellow former tennis ace Roger Taylor.
In his book, The Man Who Saved Wimbledon, Taylor alleged Mottram’s infamous controversies resulted in his banishment. Mottram caused fury in the past by penning a letter supporting then-Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her union clashes, signing it on behalf of the Davis Cup team. But that was just the tip of the iceberg.
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He was also branded racist for backing right-wing politician Enoch Powell, notorious for his 1968 ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech, criticising immigration to Britain.
Taylor, 84, wrote: “His antics and beliefs saw him frozen out by the establishment. He never became a permanent member of the All England Club which, for a player with his record, would usually be guaranteed. In 2023, following further misdemeanours, he was banned from the place altogether.”
Wimbledon officials declined to comment on Mottram’s membership, but Taylor disclosed his mate was “deeply saddened” by the ban.
Taylor added: “Buster spent more time there than just about anyone else and it’s been very sad to watch his decline and exclusion, even if much of it has been down to his own failings.”
Mottram reached a career-high ranking of 15th globally in both 1978 and 1983. His finest Grand Slam showings included progressing to the fourth round at the French Open (1977), the US Open (1980) and Wimbledon (1982).
He formed part of the British Davis Cup team that reached the final of the 1978 competition, only to lose out to the United States. He suddenly retired at the close of 1983, citing the “hassle” of constant tournament travel.
Mottram subsequently switched from tennis to politics, becoming a UKIP member, but was expelled in 2008 after attempting to negotiate an agreement with the far-right British National Party.
Mottram, purporting to represent BNP leader Nick Griffin, allegedly refused to depart the meeting when his suggestion was rejected, resulting in police being called.
Then-UKIP leader Nigel Farage declared: “There are no circumstances, no possible situations, in which we would even consider doing any type of deal with the BNP whatsoever.
“I’m simply amazed that the BNP thought we would even consider such a thing, given that we are a non-racist, non-sectarian party.”
