Former tennis star Christopher 'Buster' Mottram, 71, has been barred from Wimbledon after further misdemeanours in 2023, according to fellow former player Roger Taylor. Taylor, 84, wrote in his book The Man Who Saved Wimbledon that Mottram was informed he was no longer permitted at the All England Club. The ban follows a history of controversies, including supporting Margaret Thatcher and right-wing politician Enoch Powell.
Details of the Ban
Taylor stated: '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. Taylor added that Mottram was 'deeply saddened' by the ban, noting: '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's Tennis Career
Mottram reached a career-high ranking of 15th globally in 1978 and 1983. His best Grand Slam results included reaching the fourth round at the French Open (1977), the US Open (1980), and Wimbledon (1982). He was part of the British Davis Cup team that reached the 1978 final, losing to the United States. He retired abruptly at the end of 1983, citing the 'hassle' of constant travel.
Political Controversies
After tennis, Mottram joined UKIP but was expelled in 2008 after attempting to negotiate a deal with the far-right British National Party (BNP). He purportedly represented BNP leader Nick Griffin and refused to leave a meeting when his proposal was rejected, leading to police involvement. Then-UKIP leader Nigel Farage said: '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.'
