Raducanu 'wary' when she goes out after stalking ordeal Adversity. Scrutiny. Judgement. In the four years since Emma Raducanu wrote the ultimate feel-good tale of a sporting underdog by winning the US Open as a qualifier, the sequels of social media abuse and stalking have left her dwelling on those three words. As a result, she is now "wary" when she goes out. The 22-year-old was left in tears and hiding behind the umpire's chair four months ago after being targeted by a stalkerduring a match in Dubai. She said it had been "difficult" to move on and that matters had not been helped by instability in the team around her at a time when she was without a full-time coach. But, as she prepared to compete in the new women's event at Queen's this week, she looked relaxed on a practice court in front of the dozens of fans who had packed in to catch a glimpse. Raducanu said she has been feeling safer at tournaments and her spirits were also lifted by the return to her team of former coach Nick Cavaday for the grass-court season. "I've definitely noticed a difference in how people are watching my back when I'm on the site [at tournaments]," she told BBC Sport. "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. "But 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 kind of negative I'm just like trying to brush it off as much as I can." But it does not necessarily come naturally. "When you see those negative headlines, especially, it is really hard," she added. "I'm someone who cares what people think and what people say. So it is not easy for me to deal with." The British number two, now ranked 37th in the world, begins her Queen's campaign on Monday against Spain's Cristina Bucsa but has played down her expectations and is managing an ongoing issue of back spasms. This video can not be played "I can't do it without people I trust or like" - Raducanu A group of ball girls giggle with excitement as they spot Raducanu hitting at Queen's Club on Sunday. She remains a huge draw to fans, sponsors and tournament organisers. Multiple wrist and ankle operations and a series of other injuries derailed her attempts to build on that Grand Slam triumph in New York and frequent changes to her coaches also prompted questions around her set-up. One coach, Vladimir Platenik, remained in her team forjust a fortnightearlier this year. However, she is starting this grass-court season with a more familiar and stable team, bringing back childhood coach Cavaday - who stepped aside for health reasons in January - to work alongside Mark Petchey, a former coach of Andy Murray. "[In] the last couple months I found some better form but I've also learnt about myself that I can't necessarily do it with people that I don't trust, or I don't necessarily like so, truthfully, for me that's what's improved as well in the last couple months," she said. "I have a pretty good gut feeling and intuition about people who I get on with, and who I trust. "And I think sometimes I try and reason with myself because logically I'm like, 'OK, well, maybe this person can bring me this and I need it', and I try and force myself through it, but I've just realised, it doesn't work. "And when there's a bad energy or bad environment, it just lingers." Raducanu reached the Miami Open quarter-finals and fourth round at the Italian Open since linking up with Petchey on a casual basis in March, butlost to Iga Swiatekin the second round of this month's French Open. Cavaday, who oversaw her rise back into the top 60 after she missed much of 2023 while recovering from surgeries, had been Raducanu's sixth full-time coach of her professional career, following partnerships with Nigel Sears, Andrew Richardson, Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov and Sebastian Sachs. "I'm happy to see him healthy first of all, it has been a long time since we were last on court together in Australia," Raducanu told a news conference when speaking about Cavaday. "Mark is in Paris commentating [on the French Open], Nick was around and it was nice to have a few days with him. They'll both be helping me throughout the grass [season]. I trust them both a lot." Emma Raducanu will be playing doubles with Katie Boulter (right) at Queen's For Raducanu, being back in London does not feel like being at a tournament - which she likes. "I love going for walks, like knowing where everything is and also just being able to switch off and detach," she said. "Your friends, your family are in the city, whereas when you're on site [at other tournaments], you see the other players and you get into that mode but [here] you can go home." Andthe first women's tournament at Queen'sfor more than half a century is not only providing Raducanu with home comforts but also the chance to try out a rare spot of doubles with British number one Katie Boulter. "I'm quite nervous because I haven't played doubles and I haven't really practised doubles," Raducanu said. "So I'm just, like, not really sure what to do, but I'm just going to hope that Katie tells me what to do. I'm good at taking directions. So, if someone just tells me what to do, I'll just try and execute as best I can." She has said she is "pretty chilled out" about the grass-court season which culminates with Wimbledon at the end of this month - a tournament where she first attracted attention with a run to the last 16 a couple of months before her US Open exploits. "I don't necessarily want to be too amped up, too overhyped, but I'm just taking it as it comes really first," she said. After all, she has bigger things to prove to others. "I want to be a message and just an example of someone who has faced a lot of adversity, a lot of scrutiny, a lot of judgement and try and come out of that as best as I can," she said. "And for anyone who's kind of been like dropped or had a lot of rejections to try and come out on the other side as best as possible. "It's something that I wouldn't say I've come out and done yet but I'm trying and I'm on the way to."
Raducanu 'wary' when she goes out after stalking ordeal
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Emma Raducanu Discusses Challenges of Stalking Incident and Team Stability Ahead of Queen's Tournament"
Bbc News
7.7
TruthLens AI Summary
Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old British tennis star, has expressed her ongoing caution and wariness when going out in public following a distressing incident involving a stalker during a match in Dubai four months ago. This experience has left her grappling with feelings of anxiety and vulnerability, especially as she navigates the pressures of fame that have accompanied her meteoric rise to prominence after winning the US Open as a qualifier. Raducanu acknowledged the emotional toll of social media scrutiny and the challenges of maintaining stability in her professional environment, particularly with the absence of a full-time coach. However, as she prepares to participate in the inaugural women's event at Queen's, she has found some comfort in the return of former coach Nick Cavaday, which has contributed to her feeling safer and more supported at tournaments. Despite her cautious outlook, Raducanu has managed to focus on her well-being and has worked to brush off negative headlines that often impact her emotionally.
As she embarks on her Queen's campaign, Raducanu is ranked 37th in the world and is facing Spain's Cristina Bucsa in her opening match. Although she has been managing back spasms, she remains optimistic about her performance and has expressed a desire to approach the grass-court season with a calm mindset. Raducanu's journey has been marked by injuries and frequent coaching changes, yet she has recently found a more stable team dynamic that allows her to thrive. She values the importance of trust and positive energy within her team, emphasizing that her success is closely tied to the relationships she builds with those around her. With the upcoming Wimbledon tournament on the horizon, Raducanu aims to serve as a source of inspiration for others who have faced adversity, emphasizing the importance of resilience and perseverance in overcoming life's challenges. Overall, Raducanu's story reflects her determination to rise above scrutiny and judgment while focusing on her personal and professional growth as a tennis player.
TruthLens AI Analysis
Emma Raducanu's recent experiences highlight the intersection of fame, personal safety, and mental health in the world of sports. The article outlines her emotional struggles and the impact of stalking incidents on her life and career. It portrays her journey from a celebrated underdog to a more cautious public figure, revealing the darker side of celebrity status.
Public Perception and Emotional Health
The article underscores the psychological toll that public scrutiny and stalking have on Raducanu. It illustrates how she has become "wary" when going out, indicating that her sense of security has been compromised. This narrative may evoke empathy from fans and the general public, positioning Raducanu as a relatable figure facing real challenges despite her success. By sharing her feelings of vulnerability, the article aims to generate a broader conversation about mental health and safety in the sports community.
Media Influence and Narrative Control
Raducanu's acknowledgment of the negative impact of headlines on her well-being suggests a critique of media practices surrounding athletes. The article hints at the pressure athletes face from public perception and how that can exacerbate their mental health struggles. This reflection could be a subtle call for more responsible journalism that considers the personal ramifications of its narratives, aiming to shift the community's attitude toward more supportive and protective measures for public figures.
Underlying Issues and Broader Implications
The article does not explicitly address whether there are other issues being overshadowed by Raducanu's personal experiences. However, it raises questions about the safety of athletes in public spaces and how the sports industry addresses harassment and mental health concerns. The focus on Raducanu's challenges could distract from broader systemic issues within the sporting world that need addressing, such as the adequacy of protective measures for athletes.
Trustworthiness and Manipulative Aspects
The article appears to be factual, providing direct quotes from Raducanu and presenting her situation without overt sensationalism. However, the framing of her story may lead to manipulative interpretations, as it could be seen as leveraging her experience for greater audience engagement. The emphasis on her emotional state serves to humanize her, making the story more relatable, yet it also risks overshadowing the systemic issues present in the sports community.
Community Impact and Economic Considerations
The implications of Raducanu's experience extend beyond personal mental health; they could influence how the sporting community and fans engage with issues of safety and mental well-being. Increased awareness may lead to greater advocacy for protective measures and mental health resources, potentially impacting sponsorships and the economic landscape of sports.
Target Audience and Support Base
This article is likely to resonate with various communities, particularly those advocating for mental health awareness, women's safety, and support for athletes. Fans of Raducanu and those who have faced similar challenges may feel a connection to her story, fostering a supportive environment for discussions around these topics.
Market Effects and Broader Context
While the article may not have a direct impact on stock markets or global financial trends, it highlights issues that are increasingly relevant in discussions about athlete welfare and corporate responsibility in sports. Companies associated with Raducanu may experience shifts in public perception based on her experiences and how they choose to respond.
AI Influence in Reporting
There is no clear indication that AI played a role in crafting this article. However, if AI tools were used, they may have influenced the tone and structure, potentially shaping how emotional narratives are framed in sports journalism. The focus on Raducanu's emotional health and security concerns could reflect a growing trend in using AI to identify and amplify relatable human experiences in reporting.
The article provides a genuine look into Raducanu's life while subtly addressing broader societal issues. It maintains a fair level of trustworthiness, though it carries an undertone that could manipulate public sentiment regarding athlete welfare and media responsibility.