Emma Raducanu: Stalker blocked from applying for Wimbledon tickets

Emma Raducanu, the British tennis player, found herself targeted by a stalker earlier this year, as revealed by BBC Sport. The individual, who had previously been given a restraining order, attempted to acquire tickets for the Wimbledon Championships taking place this month. However, the security system at the All England Club flagged his name, preventing his entry into the public ballot.

The unsettling incident occurred during the Dubai Tennis Championships, where Raducanu encountered the man in the stands. Perturbed by his presence, Raducanu, Britain’s number one, had previously been followed by him to various tournaments in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. The man had approached Raducanu in a coffee shop, offering her a letter and requesting a photo, leading to his removal and subsequent restraining order from Dubai authorities.

Following the distressing encounter, Raducanu expressed her emotions, stating, “I saw him in the first game of the match and I was like, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to finish.’ I literally couldn’t see the ball through tears. I could barely breathe.” This ordeal highlighted the need for increased security and vigilance as Raducanu acknowledged the challenges that come with her rising fame in the world of tennis.

The incident in Dubai prompted Raducanu to emphasize the need for improved security measures and constant surveillance. She stressed the importance of not being alone and always being under watchful eyes to ensure her safety. As a young tennis prodigy who shot to fame after winning the US Open in 2021, Raducanu is no stranger to unwanted attention, having previously been victimized by another stalker who received a five-year restraining order after walking 23 miles to her home.

Sally Bolton, the chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), reassured players of their safety and security measures at Wimbledon. With approximately 1,000 individuals working in the security sector, various steps are taken to ensure the well-being of players, including behavioral experts, fixated threat specialists, and a robust network of surveillance cameras. Wimbledon authorities are constantly reviewing and improving their security protocols to guarantee the safety and comfort of everyone involved in the prestigious tournament

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