Raducanu Speaks About Stalker Ordeal and Her Court Return

(The Post News)– Emma Raducanu has spoken about the distressing experience she faced at last month’s Dubai WTA 1000 tournament, revealing that she struggled to see the ball through her tears after being targeted by a stalker.

The 22-year-old former US Open champion was visibly shaken when a man, later identified as displaying “fixated behaviour,” occupied a courtside seat during her match against Karolina Muchova. Security intervened, removing the individual, who has since been handed a restraining order and banned from attending WTA Tour events.

Now competing in Indian Wells for the first time since the incident, Raducanu is determined not to let it derail her career. In a conversation with The Athletic, she admitted that a part of her refused to let someone like that stop her from doing what she loves.

Reflecting on the ordeal, she recalled how she noticed the man right from the start of the match and immediately felt overwhelmed. Fighting back tears and struggling to breathe, she found herself unable to focus. Facing a top-ranked opponent under such circumstances made those opening games a blur, and after the match, she completely broke down. This isn’t the first time Raducanu has been targeted—back in 2022, she also dealt with a stalker at her family home. The repeated experiences have made her hyperaware of her surroundings.

Security measures have been ramped up for her return in Indian Wells, with dedicated personnel ensuring her safety throughout the tournament. Raducanu acknowledged the importance of these precautions, noting that while player hotels remain public knowledge, security vulnerabilities still exist. She now takes extra precautions, remaining alert and rarely going anywhere alone.

Despite the emotional toll, Raducanu remains focused on her game, drawn back to Indian Wells by her love for the tournament. Her resilience is clear—she’s determined to keep playing on her terms.