Emma Raducanu was left in tears after being targeted by a stalker during a match in Dubai earlier this year, with Wimbledon chiefs now looking to improve security
10:52, 13 Jun 2025Updated 14:02, 14 Jun 2025
Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter competing at Queen’s this week(Image: 2025 CameraSport)
Wimbledon is set to ramp up its security measures in response to Emma Raducanu’s distressing stalking incident in Dubai earlier this year. The tournament organisers have emphasised that player safety is of the utmost importance, acknowledging the heightened concerns following recent events.
Raducanu shared that she remains cautious when venturing out after being harassed by an obsessive individual during her February match against Karolina Muchova. The British star was left crying on court, seeking refuge behind the umpire’s chair as she dealt with the intrusive behaviour of a man who had previously given her a letter and snapped photos.
The unsettling experience follows another incident where Raducanu, at just 18 years old, had to contend with a man turning up at her home on three separate occasions after her triumph at the US Open.
Fellow British tennis player Katie Boulter, who partnered with Raducanu to reach the Queen’s quarter-finals in doubles, has also disclosed a past encounter where she was followed from the Queen’s tennis club in London.
She spoke about the discomfort that can come with public visibility, stating: “It’s part of life when you’re in the public eye a little bit. Obviously you don’t feel comfortable.”
Sally Bolton, the All England Club chief executive, has assured that the security measures implemented will be commensurate with the perceived threat level, with intelligence being continuously collected throughout the year to assess potential risks, reports the Mirror.
At the Spring Conference, Bolton remarked: “The safety and wellbeing of all of the players is our absolute top priority. I think the recent incidents coming to light certainly recognise the concern generated by that.
“But we have in place – and have had for many years – processes for ensuring the safety of our players.
“And that is in liaison with law enforcement agencies, specialist security teams and we liaise with both tours. And that is year round not just in preparation for The Championships. And it is a bit like the broader security for the grounds. We are putting in place measures that are reflective of the threat and risk profile at the time. It is absolutely a top priority for us.
“We probably wouldn’t at this point comment on any details in respect of any individual athlete but that intelligence is being gathered working with those other parties throughout the year to make sure we have got the right measures in place come The Championships.”
Emma Raducanu was reduced to tears in Dubai(Image: WTA)
In discussion with BBC Sport about her experiences from earlier in the year, Raducanu revealed: “It was difficult,” She commented.
“It was emphasised by the fact I didn’t necessarily feel certain or comfortable in my own set-up and team so it just added to the anxious feeling.
“I’m obviously wary when I go out. I try not to be careless about it because you only realise how much of a problem it is when you’re in that situation and I don’t necessarily want to be in that situation again.
“Off the court right now, I feel good, I feel pretty settled. I feel like I have good people around me and anything that was negative, I kind of brush it off as much as I can.”