Emma Raducanu, the British tennis prodigy who captured the world’s attention with her stunning 2021 US Open victory, has faced challenges far beyond the baseline. At just 22, the former World No. 10 has navigated a whirlwind of fame, injuries, and coaching changes, but perhaps the most daunting obstacle has been the unwanted attention from obsessive individuals. Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios recently spoke out about the immense pressure Raducanu faces, emphasizing the toll that such scrutiny takes on a young athlete. “It’s a lot for Emma Raducanu to have on her shoulders,” Kyrgios remarked, shedding light on the darker side of her meteoric rise.
Raducanu’s journey to stardom began at 18, when she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam singles title, defeating Leylah Fernandez in straight sets at the 2021 US Open. The victory propelled her into the global spotlight, earning her lucrative sponsorships with brands like Porsche and Dior, but it also exposed her to intense public scrutiny. Among the challenges she’s faced are multiple stalking incidents that have left her shaken and wary. In February 2025, during a second-round match against Karolina Muchova at the Dubai Tennis Championships, Raducanu was reduced to tears after spotting a man in the stands who had been following her across four tournaments—Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Dubai. The individual had approached her the previous day at a coffee shop, handing her a letter and requesting a photo, an interaction that left her unnerved. “I saw him in the first game of the match and I was like: ‘I don’t know how I’m going to finish,’” she recalled. “I literally couldn’t see the ball through tears. I could barely breathe.”
This was not Raducanu’s first encounter with such behavior. In 2021, shortly after her US Open triumph, a man walked 23 miles to her family home in Bromley, leaving gifts and notes. The ordeal culminated in a five-year restraining order, but the experience left a lasting impact. “Because of this I feel like my freedom has been taken away from me,” Raducanu said at the time. “I am constantly looking over my shoulder. I feel on edge and worried this could happen again.” The recurrence of such incidents in 2025, particularly the Dubai episode, underscored the persistent threat faced by high-profile female athletes. The man in Dubai was detained by police, banned from WTA tournaments, and issued a restraining order, but the emotional toll on Raducanu was undeniable.
Kyrgios, known for his outspoken nature and unconventional approach to tennis, has emerged as an unlikely ally for Raducanu. In a candid discussion, he expressed sympathy for the young star, noting the unique pressures that come with early success. “She needs someone that actually cares about her well-being,” he said, emphasizing the importance of a support system that prioritizes her mental and emotional health over tennis achievements. Kyrgios, who has famously played without a coach for much of his career, also commented on Raducanu’s frequent coaching changes, suggesting that finding the right fit is less about technical expertise and more about genuine care. “For someone like Emma, I think just finding someone that cares about her best interests—not only about the tennis—but getting to know these people off the court: what they love, what makes them tick,” he explained.
The Australian’s support comes at a time when Raducanu is rediscovering her form. After a challenging start to 2025, marked by a 3-6 record and persistent back issues, she staged an impressive run at the Miami Open, reaching the fourth round with a notable victory over World No. 10 Emma Navarro. “I have had no big injuries [this year] and that’s been a big issue for me over the last few years,” Raducanu said after her win. Her resilience in the face of adversity, both on and off the court, has earned her praise from peers like American star Jessica Pegula, who noted, “When she’s playing at a top level, she belongs with the top players.”
Raducanu’s struggles with stalkers highlight a broader issue in women’s tennis, where players like Katie Boulter, Serena Williams, and Monica Seles have also faced obsessive behavior. Boulter, the British No. 2, recently spoke out about receiving death threats and being followed in London, while Seles’ 1993 stabbing by a fan obsessed with Steffi Graf remains a chilling reminder of the risks. Wimbledon organizers have taken steps to protect players, with enhanced security measures and collaboration with the Metropolitan Police. Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, reassured players, stating, “We’re liaising with the tours, with the Met Police, with other security agencies right through the year to think about the types of risks we need to look at.”
As Raducanu prepares for Wimbledon, where she’ll be joined by coaches Mark Petchey and Nick Cavaday, she remains focused on reclaiming her joy in the game. “I’m glad Katie spoke out about it,” she said, acknowledging Boulter’s comments on online abuse. “It’s something that we all go through.” With Kyrgios in her corner and a renewed sense of purpose, Raducanu is determined to rise above the challenges, proving that her talent and tenacity extend far beyond the court.
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