In the wake of her unsettling encounter at the Dubai Tennis Championships last month, Emma Raducanu, the world’s 55th ranked tennis player, has disclosed that she is now under almost constant supervision. The British tennis prodigy has been at the center of heightened security concerns after a disturbing incident involving an obsessed fan during the Middle East tournament.
The 22-year-old was visibly distressed when the fan in question approached her at the event and later surfaced during her second-round clash against Karolina Muchova. The suspect was promptly expelled from the tournament premises, leading Raducanu, a previous US Open champion, to obtain a restraining order against him.
Despite these measures, anxiety persists as Raducanu prepares for her debut at Indian Wells this week, her first competitive appearance since the unnerving episode that left her tearfully shaken on the tennis court. The tournament officials have confirmed the implementation of additional security arrangements for Raducanu, who confessed she considered withdrawing from the Indian Wells event due to the traumatic experience.
Nonetheless, the British sensation has resolved to participate in the combined Masters and WTA 1000 event. Speaking ahead of her appearance, Raducanu provided insight into the security measures she now lives with. She spoke of the discreet, yet constant presence of security personnel who provide her with a sense of safety, while also expressing concerns about her off-site movements.
Expressing her relief, Raducanu said, “It’s amazing to feel protected, to feel safe. And Mike [the head of her security detail] does an amazing job of just staying in the shadows. He’s always there, but you can’t necessarily see him.”
She elaborated on her off-court circumstances, stating, “When I’m away from the courts, I don’t have private security right now, but I’m always with someone who could raise the alarm or could help in a scenario. Whereas before I maybe would have gone on walks alone, I’m pretty much chaperoned everywhere.”
She also voiced her concerns about potential vulnerabilities, such as the public accessibility to the player’s hotel. Despite these concerns, Raducanu stressed the importance of her heightened awareness and vigilance as she navigates her life in the public eye.
Raducanu is slated to take on world No 52 Moyuka Uchijima in her first-round match at Indian Wells on Thursday. The two have previously met on the court, with Raducanu securing a straight-sets victory against her Japanese opponent at the 2022 Korea Open, despite the two-and-a-half-year gap since their last encounter. A victory in this match would set her up for a thrilling showdown against world No 3 Coco Gauff, another Grand Slam champion.
The British starlet has enjoyed some success at Indian Wells in the past, reaching the third round last year and advancing to the fourth round in 2023. As she steps onto the court this year, the sporting world watches with bated breath, rooting for her success and wellbeing.