Emma Raducanu reveals her distress over a recent stalking incident, saying security measures have improved but admitting the situation should have been handled better

For Emma Raducanu, the past few weeks have been anything but normal. The 22-year-old British tennis star has spoken for the first time about her frightening ordeal—being stalked across four tournaments by the same man before a disturbing encounter in Dubai left her visibly shaken.

“It was very emotional,” Raducanu admitted. “It had been going on for weeks, and it was quite tiring. I took a break after getting back to England, but now I’m ready to move forward.”

The situation escalated in Dubai, where Raducanu spotted the man in the crowd during her second-round match. He had approached her near the player hotel the day before, handing her a letter and taking her photo—behaviour that left her deeply unnerved.

Despite notifying a member of her team, the information was not passed to the WTA or tournament organisers until the following day, giving security just hours to react.

“I think it could have been dealt with better,” Raducanu admitted. “But the important thing is that now it is being dealt with better.”

Police eventually removed the man from the venue and issued a restraining order, but the incident has left a lasting impact.

Raducanu, who became a global star after winning the US Open in 2021, has chosen not to hire private security but has made changes to how she moves at tournaments.

“I’m always very aware now,” she said. “I’m not necessarily doing things on my own anymore—I’m always with someone, and always being watched.”

Despite the distressing experience, Raducanu made the journey to Indian Wells, one of her favourite tournaments, and was surprised by how much happier she felt.

“I wasn’t sure if I was ready to compete so soon, but since being here, I’ve surprised myself. It’s a special place for me, and I’m ready to go.”

Raducanu will face Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima in the first round on Thursday, with the winner set to play American third seed Coco Gauff in round two.

While the past few weeks have been difficult, Raducanu is determined not to let fear define her future. Her focus is back on the court—and on winning.