This video can not be played Raducanu confident in protection at events after stalker incident Britain's Emma Raducanu has praised Wimbledon for doing "an amazing job" to prevent a man who had been stalking her from buying tickets for this month's championships. Asfirst reported by the BBC, the All England Club's security measures spotted the man had been red-flagged, and blocked his attempt to enter the public ballot. The man followed Raducanu to four successive tournaments in February and the 22-year-old wasleft in tearswhen she caught sight of him in the stands at the Dubai Tennis Championships. He was later given a restraining order by Dubai police, and his name circulated among the tennis authorities. "Wimbledon and everyone did an amazing job. I got a notification, the police contacted me and told me everything was OK," Raducanu told BBC Sport in her first comments on the issue. "I know that I am not the first athlete to go through this, and I probably won't be the last - not just as an athlete, but females in general." Raducanu shot to worldwide fame when she won the US Open as an 18-year-old in 2021. She has previously been the victim of a stalker, with another man given a five-year restraining order in 2022 after he walked 23 miles to her home. The Englishwoman has often had a greater security detail with her at tournaments since the upsetting incident in Dubai, and says she now feels "comfortable and safe" on tour. "I've had great protection whenever I have been at these events recently," she continued. "I have a lot more protection around me - especially the ones here in the UK, where it's busy and there's more spectators around. "I feel a difference, and that reassures me and makes me feel more comfortable." Sally Bolton, chief executive of All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) told BBC Sport they spend a lot of time on ensuring security measures are tight at Wimbledon. In addition to screening around the ballot, there are more checks and balances when it comes to those in the queue. Raducanu also praised Katie Boulter for "taking a stand" after her compatriot spoke to BBC Sport about thescale of online abuse she receives. Boulter and a number of female athletes across a range of sports have called for more action to be taken against those who abuse players. "I'm glad Katie spoke out about it because it is something that we all go through," Raducanu added. "I try and not to read the comments or look at the messages because it makes you upset. "It doesn't matter how many positive comments you read, you are always going to remember the more negative ones - so I just try and stay away." Raducanu is competing at Eastbourne, one of the final grass-court events before Wimbledon begins on 30 June. She will face American Ann Li on Tuesday.
Wimbledon 'did amazing job' over stalker - Raducanu
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Emma Raducanu Commends Wimbledon for Effective Security Measures Against Stalker"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Emma Raducanu, the British tennis star, has expressed her gratitude towards Wimbledon for their effective security measures that prevented a stalker from attending the championships. The All England Club successfully identified a man who had been stalking Raducanu and blocked his attempt to purchase tickets for the event. This individual had previously followed her to multiple tournaments in February, causing Raducanu significant distress, particularly when she encountered him in the stands at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Following this incident, the stalker was issued a restraining order by Dubai police, and his details were circulated among tennis authorities to ensure the safety of players. Raducanu acknowledged the support she received, stating that she felt reassured by the notification from the police confirming her safety, and praised the efforts of Wimbledon in maintaining a secure environment for athletes and fans alike.
Raducanu, who gained international fame after winning the US Open in 2021, has faced similar threats in the past, including another stalking incident that led to a five-year restraining order for a different individual. In light of these experiences, she has noted an increase in her security detail during tournaments, which has allowed her to feel more comfortable and safe while competing. Sally Bolton, the chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, emphasized the importance of stringent security protocols at Wimbledon, including enhanced screening processes for ticket buyers and spectators. Raducanu also voiced her support for fellow athlete Katie Boulter, who has openly discussed the issue of online abuse faced by female athletes, highlighting the need for greater action against such behavior. As Raducanu prepares for her upcoming match at Eastbourne, she remains focused on her performance and maintaining her mental well-being by avoiding negative online interactions.
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