Man Who Says He Loves Her Is Told to Stay Away From Chris Evert Lloyd

A Chris Evert Lloyd fan who has written the tennis star more than 200 letters was ordered to stay away from her by a judge fearful of a “John Hinckley-Jodie Foster situation.”

John Mallouk, 38, lives in Palm Beach Gardens about a mile from the PGA resort where Lloyd competed Sunday against Hana Mandlikova in the Ford Challenge Cup tournament.

Mallouk said he has loved Lloyd for 14 years, but she has not answered any of the 200 to 300 letters he has sent her.

When Mallouk stopped by the tournament office last week, hoping to obtain a party invitation from Lloyd, the Women’s Tennis Assn. and the tournament promoter sought a restraining order against him.

In an emergency hearing Friday, Circuit Judge Thomas Sholts granted a 10-day restraining order to keep Mallouk away from the tournament, and ordered him to leave Lloyd alone. Sholts said he would jail Mallouk if the order is violated.

“This is almost like a (John) Hinckley-Jodie Foster situation,” Sholts said.

Sholts was shown several letters that Mallouk had written, as well as an affidavit from Lloyd saying she was worried about Mallouk’s interest in her.

“There was a reference to Mr. (John) Lloyd, and how (Mallouk) wanted to get rid of him so they could be together,” Sholts said. “She’s apprehensive about them and I can’t blame her.”

Asked about the incident, Lloyd said: “Everything has been taken care of.”

Mallouk dismissed the comparison to Hinckley, who shot President Reagan and three others on March 30, 1981 and said later he did it to prove his love for movie star Jodie Foster. He was found innocent by reason of insanity.

Mallouk said there is no need for the restraining order.

“I’m no John Hinckley,” he said Sunday. “I’m not dangerous. Chris knows I’m not dangerous, too.

“I wouldn’t say I’m obsessed with her. I think single-minded would be a better word. I hate to be simplistic about it, but I just like her looks.”

Mallouk said he played tennis in college and makes a living through real estate holdings he inherited. He said his letters have been romantic but never threatening.