Emma Raducanu has publicly addressed her recent stalking ordeal for the first time.
During a match in Dubai on February 18th, Raducanu was visibly upset and hid behind the umpire’s chair, as reported.
The 22-year-old British tennis star noticed a man in the audience who had previously followed her in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. He had given her a letter with personal information and taken her photo at a cafe just before the match.
Coach Roman Kelecic described the man’s behavior as “fixated,” claiming he got “physically close,” took selfies, and hugged her.
Following the distressing incident, Raducanu returned to the UK before traveling to California for the Indian Wells tournament. Increased security measures have been put in place for her.
Raducanu, currently ranked No. 55 in the world, was seen practicing with former professional Tommy Haas as she continues to look for a permanent coach. She may face Coco Gauff in the second round.
Before her first match in Indian Wells against Moyuka Uchijima of Japan, Raducanu spoke to the media.
She explained why she continued playing in Dubai: “I was obviously very upset. I saw him in the first game and thought, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to finish this.'”
“I literally couldn’t see the ball through the tears. I could barely breathe, playing against Karolina, who is ranked in the top 20. I just couldn’t see the ball.”
Despite the Dubai incident, Raducanu appeared relaxed in California, accompanied by two security guards.
She mentioned, “This is my favorite tournament. If it were any other tournament, I’m not sure I would be playing. But I’m very happy with my decision to come here.”
“Since being here, I’ve felt much more myself and happier.”
Her life has changed, and she is now constantly vigilant.
“I’m always with someone who can help or raise alarm if needed,” she said. “I’m always very aware, alert, and sensitive, and I don’t really go anywhere alone. I’m pretty much chaperoned everywhere.”
Raducanu reportedly shouted “here he is” to her team when she spotted the stalker at the Dubai match against Karolina Muchova.
Security removed him from the stands and grounds. He was later arrested and signed a restraining order.
Raducanu chose not to press charges, and the individual is now banned from all WTA events.
After the match in Dubai, Raducanu thanked fans and her opponent Muchova on social media for their support, despite the 7-6, 6-4 defeat.
She wrote: “Thank you for the messages of support. It was a difficult experience yesterday, but I’ll be okay and proud of how I competed despite what happened at the start of the match. Thank you to Karolina for being a great sport, and best of luck to her for the rest of the tournament.”
In February 2022, a London court issued a five-year restraining order against another man who stalked Raducanu, including visiting her home.
