I’m wary when I go out – Raducanu

Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old British tennis star, has faced a whirlwind of challenges since her fairy-tale victory at the 2021 US Open as an 18-year-old qualifier. Her meteoric rise to fame, marked by becoming the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since 1977, brought her global adoration but also a darker side of stardom. On June 8, 2025, as she prepared for the grass-court season ahead of Wimbledon, Raducanu opened up about the toll of social media abuse and a stalking ordeal that has left her feeling “wary” when she ventures out in public. Her candid reflections reveal the emotional weight of navigating fame while striving to reclaim her place among tennis’s elite.

Raducanu’s US Open triumph was a storybook moment, transforming her from a little-known teenager into a household name overnight. However, the years since have been fraught with scrutiny, injuries, and off-court challenges that have tested her resilience. Among the most distressing has been her experience with a stalker, an incident that escalated during a match in Dubai in February 2025. The ordeal left her in tears on the court, shaken by repeated unwanted attention. “I wasn’t sure I was going to compete so soon after Dubai,” she admitted, reflecting on the emotional impact. The incident compounded the pressures of social media, where she has faced relentless criticism and abuse. “It’s been difficult to move on,” she told reporters, her voice heavy with the weight of those experiences.

The stalking incident in Dubai was a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that come with fame. Raducanu described feeling unsafe, a sentiment that lingers even months later. “I’m obviously wary when I go out,” she said, explaining how the experience has altered her daily life. To cope, she has relied on a tight-knit support system, including her family and team, who have been instrumental in helping her feel secure. At tournaments, she has noticed a marked improvement in protective measures. “I’ve definitely noticed a difference in how people are watching my back when I’m on the site,” she shared, expressing gratitude for the enhanced security protocols that have allowed her to focus on her game.

Despite these challenges, Raducanu remains determined to reclaim her spark on the court. The 2025 season has shown glimpses of her potential, with a quarterfinal appearance at the Miami Open and a fourth-round finish at the Italian Open. However, a second-round loss to Iga Swiatek at the French Open highlighted the work still ahead. Her reunion with former coach Nick Cavaday, who returned to her team for the grass-court season, has been a source of optimism. “I’m happy to see him healthy first of all, it has been a long time since we were last on court together in Australia,” Raducanu said, referencing their prior collaboration. Cavaday’s presence, alongside temporary coaching stints with Mark Petchey, has provided stability as she prepares for Wimbledon, where she reached the fourth round in 2021.

Raducanu’s journey reflects the complexities of navigating fame at a young age. In earlier interviews, she spoke candidly about the pressures of the tennis world, describing it as “not a very nice, trusting & safe space.” She has also expressed regret at times, admitting, “Sometimes I think to myself I wish I’d never won the US Open,” a sentiment that underscores the weight of her experiences. The business side of her career has been equally challenging, with Raducanu noting, “I think people in the industry, especially with me because I was 19, now 20, they see me as a piggy bank. I’ve been burned a few times.” Her decision to keep her inner circle small reflects a hard-earned lesson in self-preservation.

As she gears up for Wimbledon, Raducanu is focusing on rediscovering her love for the game. The grass courts, where her fluid movement and aggressive style shine, offer a chance to reset. Her 2021 Wimbledon debut, where she captivated fans before withdrawing due to breathing difficulties, remains a defining moment. Now, with more experience and a renewed sense of purpose, she hopes to go further. Off the court, she is working to rebuild her confidence in public spaces, supported by her team and the memory of her US Open triumph, which she still cherishes despite its challenges. “You have to be on guard because there are a lot of sharks out there,” she once said, a reminder of the vigilance required in her world.

Raducanu’s story is one of resilience, a young woman confronting the highs and lows of stardom while striving to carve her path. Her openness about her struggles with safety and mental health resonates with fans, who continue to root for her comeback. As she steps onto the grass courts in 2025, Raducanu carries not only the weight of expectations but also the strength to overcome adversity, one match at a time.

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