Autograph Seeker Startles Seles but Does No Harm

Monica Seles, still frightened since being stabbed in the back by an obsessed fan in Germany in 1993, got another scare Wednesday.

This time, there were no injuries, only an autograph.

Seles was sitting courtside at Burswood Dome after her Hopman Cup mixed-doubles match between the U.S. and Russia when a middle-aged man tapped her on the shoulder trying to get her autograph.

Apparently surprised by the man, Seles immediately grabbed playing partner Jan-Michael Gambill, who escorted her from the area. Security removed the man from the area, but took no action against him.

Tournament director Paul McNamee said Seles did not complain about the incident when he spoke to her. He added that Seles later gave the man an autograph and left the arena in good spirits. Seles was not asked about the incident at the post-match news conference, apparently because reporters were unaware of it at the time.

Security had a guard behind Seles’ chair but no barrier between the crowd of 8,000 and the players. Fans had to walk on the edge of the court surface when they entered and exited the stands.