As the Wimbledon Championships approach, set to commence on June 30, 2025, British tennis star Emma Raducanu has expressed heartfelt gratitude for the All England Lawn Tennis Club’s vigilant security measures, which successfully thwarted a stalker’s attempt to purchase tickets for the prestigious Grand Slam. The 22-year-old, who catapulted to fame with her 2021 US Open victory, described Wimbledon’s efforts as an “amazing job,” highlighting the reassurance she feels as she prepares for the grass-court major. This incident, while unsettling, underscores the tournament’s commitment to player safety, allowing Raducanu to focus on her game as she competes in Eastbourne this week.
The unsettling episode traces back to February 2025, when Raducanu endured a harrowing experience at the Dubai Tennis Championships. During her second-round match against Karolina Muchova, she spotted a man in the stands who had been relentlessly following her across four tournaments—Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Dubai. The encounter left her in tears, unable to see the ball clearly or breathe properly, as she sought refuge behind the umpire’s chair. “I literally couldn’t see the ball through tears. I could barely breathe,” she later shared, recounting the distress that halted play. The individual, who had approached her the previous day with a letter and a request for a photo, was swiftly removed by security and issued a restraining order by Dubai police. His details were circulated among tennis authorities, ensuring heightened vigilance at future events.
Wimbledon’s security team, renowned for its thorough protocols, identified the same man when he attempted to enter the public ticket ballot for this year’s Championships. The All England Club’s advanced screening system flagged his application, promptly rejecting it and notifying Raducanu and law enforcement. “Wimbledon and everyone did an amazing job. I got a notification, the police contacted me and told me everything was OK,” Raducanu said, her relief palpable as she spoke publicly about the incident for the first time. The swift action has bolstered her confidence, allowing her to feel “comfortable and safe” as she navigates the busy UK tournament circuit, where crowds and attention are at their peak.
This is not Raducanu’s first encounter with such threats. In 2022, another individual received a five-year restraining order after walking 23 miles to her home, leaving unwanted gifts and notes. These experiences have heightened her awareness, making her “wary when going out,” as she admitted earlier this year. Yet, the increased security measures at tournaments, particularly in the UK, have made a tangible difference. “I have a lot more protection around me—especially the ones here in the UK, where it’s busy and there’s more spectators around. I feel a difference, and that reassures me,” she noted, crediting the presence of police, military personnel, and specialized threat assessment teams at Wimbledon.
Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Club, emphasized the tournament’s proactive approach, which includes liaising with the WTA, ATP, Metropolitan Police, and fixated threat specialists to address risks. Enhanced checks on ticket ballots and queues, extensive CCTV coverage, and on-site response teams ensure a robust safety net. “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,” Bolton said, reinforcing Wimbledon’s commitment to player welfare.
Raducanu also took a moment to support her compatriot Katie Boulter, who recently spoke out about receiving online abuse and death threats. “I’m glad Katie spoke out about it because it is something that we all go through,” Raducanu said, revealing her own strategy of avoiding social media comments to protect her mental well-being. “I try and not read the comments or look at the messages because it makes you upset,” she added, highlighting the shared challenges faced by female athletes. Her solidarity with Boulter underscores a broader issue, as she acknowledged, “I know that I am not the first athlete to go through this, and I probably won’t be the last—not just as an athlete, but females in general.”
As Raducanu prepares for Wimbledon, where she faces American Ann Li in Eastbourne’s first round, she is also managing a persistent back spasm that flared up in Strasbourg. Despite the physical and emotional challenges, her resilience shines through, bolstered by Wimbledon’s protective measures. With a newfound sense of security, the former US Open champion is poised to embrace the grass courts of SW19, ready to channel her focus into her performance and continue her inspiring journey.
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