Emma Raducanu has spoken out about her frightening experience with a stalker in Dubai.
The British tennis player, 22, became visibly upset and sought refuge behind the umpire’s chair during her match against Karolina Muchova last month after she noticed the man.
Raducanu had become aware of the individual’s “fixated behaviour” in the crowd. He had previously followed her in Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Doha before giving her a letter containing personal details and taking her photograph at a cafe the day before her match.
After spending a week in the UK, Raducanu travelled to California to participate in Indian Wells, a major tennis tournament outside of the Grand Slams.
Speaking before her first match against Moyuka Uchijima of Japan, Raducanu described her unsettling experience in Dubai.
She explained: “There were two occasions, and it was the second one that truly frightened me.”
“The first time, it seemed like a typical fan encounter, except he mentioned that he had followed me from place to place.”
“And then he watched me in the coffee shop for some time… the second time was genuinely concerning.”
Regarding what happened during her match with Muchova, she added: “I was clearly very upset. I saw him in the first game of the match, and I thought, I don’t know how I’m going to finish this.”
“I literally couldn’t see the ball because of my tears. I could hardly breathe, and I was playing against Karolina, who is ranked in the top 20 in the world. I couldn’t see the ball.”
Raducanu was accompanied by two security personnel as she spoke to the press, indicating increased security measures.
She added: “This is my favourite tournament. If it were any other tournament, I’m not sure if I would be playing, but I’m very glad I decided to come.”
“Since arriving here, I’ve definitely felt more like myself again and happier.”
Regarding the enhanced security, she continued: “I am always with someone who can raise the alarm or assist in a situation.”
“I am constantly aware, alert, and sensitive, and I rarely go anywhere alone. I am essentially chaperoned everywhere.”
Raducanu’s stalker was removed from the stands in Dubai after Raducanu, ranked No. 55 in the world, alerted her team by saying, “He’s here.”
He was subsequently arrested, but Raducanu withdrew the charges after he agreed to a restraining order.
The individual has been banned from attending all WTA events.
Raducanu has been practicing with Tommy Haas, the tournament director and former professional player, at Indian Wells.
If the world No. 55 defeats Uchijima, she is set for a highly anticipated second-round match against Coco Gauff.
British No. 1 Katie Boulter, who also received threatening messages from a man at the LTA event in Nottingham, offered support to her Billie Jean King Cup teammate Raducanu.
The 28-year-old commented: “She’s such a wonderful young woman, and it’s upsetting to see her experience something like this.”
“She is a strong woman and will overcome this, but it is a very uncomfortable and unsettling experience that can make you feel quite insecure.”
“It’s not something I would wish on anyone.”
