By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Friday, February 28, 2025
Photo Credit: Matthew Calvis
Emma Raducanu recently faced a distressing stalker situation while in Dubai.
Looking ahead, Raducanu is set for a return at Indian Wells, bolstered by her team’s support.
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The young star was visibly shaken and found shelter behind the chair umpire’s stand just two games into her second-round match against Karolina Muchova upon spotting her stalker.
Authorities quickly intervened, taking the individual into custody.
“Following Raducanu’s complaint, Dubai Police apprehended a tourist who approached her, left a note, took her photograph, and exhibited behavior that caused her distress during the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships,” the Dubai Media Office stated.
Raducanu decided to drop the charges after the man agreed to a statement that effectively serves as a restraining order, ensuring he maintains a safe distance.
Members of Raducanu’s team conveyed to British media that the incident escalated her fears, as the obsessed fan had previously surfaced in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Doha before reaching out to her in a Dubai cafe and attending her initial matches.
After exiting the tournament in Dubai, Raducanu contemplated stepping away from the circuit but ultimately decided to compete at Indian Wells.
The 2021 US Open champion will be accompanied by enhanced tournament security at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The WTA is also prepared to implement further security measures if needed.
Last year, Raducanu entered the BNP Paribas Open on a wild card and impressively reached the third round before falling to Aryna Sabalenka with scores of 6-3, 7-5.
Today, Raducanu celebrated her much-anticipated return to Tennis Paradise alongside Tournament Director Tommy Haas.
