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Nadal hits out at security rules as physio is locked out
Evening Standard24.06.08
Rafael Nadal today became the first Wimbledon star to hit out at the ground's new security measures, which have left him without his physiotherapist.
The 22-year-old Spaniard who is ranked number two in the world, was objecting to the new policy of giving each player only one pass to the locker rooms.
The measure was introduced by the All England Lawn Tennis Club in the wake of claims that betting syndicates could try to influence the tournament.
But Nadal said: "That means that Maymo, my physio who is always with me taking care of my body, taping me up, can't have access this year to the locker room. I don't think this is normal ... We have asked the organisation and they say only one person [which is] very strange and unfortunate."
However, the club's chief executive, Ian Ritchie, backs the move, and the creation of an anti-corruption unit whereby players must report any contact from gambling syndicates within 48 hours.
There is no suggestion that competitors have taken part in match-fixing but officials are concerned to keep betting syndicates away from the tournament.
