Emma Raducanu has publicly addressed her recent stalking ordeal for the first time.
During her second-round match in Dubai on February 18, Raducanu was visibly upset, crying and hiding behind the umpire’s chair.
The 22-year-old British tennis star noticed a man in the audience who had been following her in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. He had given her a letter containing personal information and taken her picture at a cafe the day before the match.
The man was accused of “exhibiting fixated behaviour.” Coach Roman Kelecic stated that the “admirer” approached her closely and initiated physical contact, including selfies and hugs.
Following the distressing experience, Raducanu returned to the UK before traveling to California for the Indian Wells tournament. Increased security measures have been implemented for her protection.
Raducanu, currently ranked No. 55 in the world, and potentially facing Coco Gauff in the second round, was seen smiling during practice with former professional tennis player Tommy Haas. She is still in search of a permanent coach.
Speaking to the media before her first-round match against Moyuka Uchijima of Japan, Raducanu explained why she continued playing in Dubai.
“That’s why I carried on playing that match,” Raducanu said.
“I was obviously very distraught. I saw him in the first game of the match, and I didn’t know how I was going to finish.”
“I literally couldn’t see the ball through the tears. I could barely breathe. I was playing Karolina, who is ranked in the top 20. I couldn’t see the ball.”
Watched by two security guards, who are now with her at all times, she appeared remarkably relaxed despite the recent events in Dubai.
She added, “This is my favorite tournament. If it were another tournament, I’m honestly not sure if I’d be playing, but I’m very happy I made that decision.”
“Since being here, I have definitely become more myself again and feeling happier, feeling more like myself.”
Her life has changed, and she is now constantly vigilant and aware of her surroundings.
“I’m always with someone who could raise the alarm or could help in a situation,” she stated.
“I’m always very aware and very alert and sensitive and don’t really go anywhere on my own. I’m pretty much chaperoned everywhere.”
Raducanu reportedly shouted “here he is” to her team upon seeing the stalker early in the match against Karolina Muchova.
Security removed him from the stands and the tournament grounds. He was later arrested and signed a restraining order.
Raducanu later decided not to press charges against the individual, who is now banned from all WTA events.
Following the ordeal and her defeat to Muchova (7-6, 6-4), the 2021 US Open champion thanked fans and her opponent for their support on social media.
She wrote: “Thank you for the messages of support.”
“Difficult experience yesterday but I’ll be okay and proud of how I came back and 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 multiple times.
