Emma Raducanu has spoken out about the relief and reassurance she felt after Wimbledon organizers successfully blocked a man who had been stalking her from purchasing tickets to this year’s tournament. The British tennis star, who rose to fame after her 2021 US Open victory, had previously encountered the individual at multiple events earlier in the year, including in Dubai, where the situation left her visibly shaken during a match.

The man had followed Raducanu to tournaments in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, and was eventually issued a restraining order by Dubai authorities. Despite this, he attempted to gain access to Wimbledon through the public ballot. Thanks to enhanced security protocols and a thorough screening process by the All England Club, his application was flagged and denied.

Raducanu praised the swift and effective response, saying she was notified by police and felt comforted by the measures taken. She acknowledged the broader issue of safety for female athletes, noting that she is not alone in facing such challenges. Since the incident, she has increased her security presence, particularly at high-profile events in the UK, and says she now feels more at ease while competing.

She also commended fellow British player Katie Boulter for speaking out about online abuse, highlighting the emotional toll such experiences can take. Raducanu shared that she avoids reading comments on social media to protect her mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of support and protection for athletes both on and off the court.