Emma Raducanu expressed her gratitude towards Wimbledon for the proactive measures taken after it was announced that an individual who had been stalking her is now prohibited from purchasing tickets for the upcoming 2025 championships.
This man had followed Raducanu to several events, leading to a restraining order issued by authorities in Dubai following an incident at the Dubai Tennis Championships, where his presence made her visibly upset during a match.
Wimbledon officials confirmed they had flagged his ticket application, promptly rejecting it to ensure Raducanu’s safety at the All England Club.
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In a statement to BBC Sport, Raducanu remarked, “Wimbledon truly excelled in their response. I received a notification, and the police were in touch to reassure me that I was safe.”
“I feel secure and comfortable. The protective measures in place at recent events have been exceptional, and that really enhances my sense of wellbeing.”
Raducanu made these comments leading up to her participation in the Eastbourne Open, also expressing her support for fellow Brit Katie Boulter, who recently opened up about the severe online harassment she endures.
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“I’m proud of Katie for bringing attention to this topic and standing firm, as it’s an issue that affects many in the sport,” Raducanu stated.
Boulter disclosed her experiences with online harassment, including alarming death threats directed at her and her family.
Katie Boulter highlights the toxic online environment faced by athletes.
Boulter posits that much of the abuse stems from disgruntled gamblers, and while she has grown adept at managing these threats over time, the risks to her safety remain significant. She lamented, “It underscores just how vulnerable we are. You can never be sure if someone is nearby or if they know personal details about you.”
“When I first started my career, I took these insults personally, particularly the comments regarding my appearance. With every social media interaction, this reality becomes increasingly evident.”
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