Emma Raducanu shares emotional account of stalker incident at Dubai Championships
Emma Raducanu has opened up about the distressing moment during her match at the Dubai Championships in February, when she “couldn’t see the ball through tears” and “could barely breathe” after being targeted by a stalker.
The 22-year-old British tennis star was left shaken after a man, exhibiting “fixed behaviour,” followed her to four different tournaments, including the Dubai Championships. Raducanu hid behind the umpire’s chair after just two games in her second-round match and was later comforted by tournament security.
The individual, who had approached Raducanu near the player hotel the day before her match, was removed from the stands and subsequently issued a restraining order by Dubai police. Raducanu shared her emotional experience for the first time, admitting that she initially didn’t know how she would continue the match: “I literally couldn’t see the ball through tears. I could barely breathe. I just needed to take a breather.”
The 2021 US Open champion added that she felt the situation “could have been dealt with better” but emphasized the importance of learning from it. “Since that incident, I’ve definitely had increased attention and better security,” Raducanu explained. “All we can do is learn from what happened and ensure it’s handled in a better way moving forward.”
Raducanu reflected on the impact of the experience, noting that she is now more vigilant and no longer travels alone. “Now, I’m always with someone and always being watched,” she added.
Raducanu’s stalker had previously followed her to tournaments in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. He approached Raducanu in Dubai, handed her a letter, and took a photo of her, further unsettling the player. While the incident was reported to Raducanu’s team, the information was not passed to the WTA or event security until the day of the match, leaving little time to respond appropriately.
After taking a week off to recover emotionally, Raducanu made the decision to return to the court at Indian Wells, one of the most prestigious tournaments outside the four Grand Slams. She shared how the environment in California has helped her feel better: “Since being here at Indian Wells, one of my favorite tournaments, I’ve been feeling a lot better. It’s been a great change.”
Raducanu is set to play Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima in the first round, with the winner facing American third seed Coco Gauff in the second round.
Support from Fellow Players
Raducanu’s experience has also resonated with fellow British tennis player Katie Boulter, who has faced similar unsettling situations. Boulter recalled an incident at the WTA event in Nottingham where she received threatening messages from a man. “It’s a moment you realize it’s not something you want to be a part of,” Boulter said. “We are very fortunate to have security to help us as much as possible.”
Boulter, who has a first-round bye at Indian Wells, also reached out to Raducanu to offer her support. “It’s terrible to see what Emma has gone through,” Boulter remarked. “She’s a strong woman, but it’s an uncomfortable feeling that can make you feel insecure. No one should ever have to experience that.”
Emma Raducanu’s bravery in speaking out about her experience highlights the ongoing issues female athletes face with unwanted attention and security concerns. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring safe and supportive environments for athletes.
