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Spectators faced an unprecedented range of security checks when they arrived for today's start of the Wimbledon championships.
In a major security crackdown, armed police were on duty for the first time and some fans were even interviewed at the entrance gates by Home Office investigators.
Standard Sport can reveal that all 1,560 staff working on the mammoth catering operation at the All England Club have been vetted by the government for the first time as the most famous tennis championships in the world faces up to the threat of terrorism.
In previous years, staff had to supply two references but following increased security, Home Office personnel have now screened all workers in the mini-village that is created to keep everyone fed and watered during the two-week tournament which attracts half a million visitors.
An Evening Standard reporter was stopped by two Home Office officials inside Gate 5 and asked for his home address and nationality.
When asked why the details were required, one official said: "Its all about immigration. We can't tell you much more."
The reporter, a British-born Asian, protested that they had no right to ask for these details.
An All England Club spokeswoman said she had no immediate details of the inquiries.
For the first time, staff have the right to conduct random body searches and, in a further change, spectators were asked to leave items not required during their trip, including picnic hampers or bags, outside the complex.
In recent years "left luggage" sites have been situated at strategic points inside the arena but because of security fears a review was undertaken and the changes introduced. The heightened security also came as police today revealed that they are working on new intelligence over a stalker's alleged death threat to an unspecified top player.
The problem of protecting players was highlighted today by the sight of one high-profile women's seed walking through the crowds unaccompanied for the first day of play.
A spokesman for the All England Club said: "Security is, as you would expect for an event of this size, our main priority. The measures we have introduced this year probably add to the already high levels but clearly it's felt they are necessary in respect to the general world situation."
Fans queued all night in the rain for the chance to get a Centre Court seat to see champion Lleyton Hewitt begin the defence of his title against Ivo Karlovic of Croatia.
British No2 Greg Rusedski was due to lead the home charge on Court One this afternoon against little-known German Alexander Waske.
