Emma Raducanu is heading to Indian Wells this weekend without a permanent coach.
As previously reported, the British tennis star is determined to compete in California as soon as possible, despite recently experiencing a stalker situation in Dubai.
The former US Open champion was visibly upset and started crying when she noticed a fan in the stands at her last match who had followed her to four different resorts in three different countries.
Despite this unsettling experience, where the man had also approached her in a cafe the day before, the 22-year-old will travel to the United States for the Indian Wells tournament, often referred to as the “Fifth Slam”.
For this trip, she will be accompanied by LTA academy coach Tom Welsh.
This coaching arrangement is temporary, and the search for a permanent coach will continue into the clay-court season, which begins in April.
Former coach Nick Cavaday, a childhood friend, recently stepped down from his position due to health issues.
Fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura will remain part of her team as she aims to improve her recent results, having experienced three first-round exits this year.
WTA officials and Indian Wells organizers are expected to increase security measures at the tournament to prevent a recurrence of the incident that disrupted her second-round match against Karolina Muchova in the UAE.
Raducanu was visibly emotional on court, with tears in her eyes, when her match against Muchova was paused.
She was seen seeking refuge behind the umpire’s chair before the man was removed from the venue.
Police detained the man after he was ejected, and he was subsequently issued a restraining order.
Raducanu returned to the UK following this distressing incident.
She has since updated her Instagram bio to “ad astra per aspera,” which is Latin for “to the stars through hardships.”
In a statement, Raducanu expressed her gratitude: “Thank you for the messages of support.
“Yesterday was a difficult experience, but I’m okay and proud of how I recovered and competed despite what happened at the start of the match.
“Thank you to Karolina for her sportsmanship, and I wish her the best for the rest of the tournament.”
