Emma Raducanu has commended Wimbledon's security protocols after tournament officials successfully prevented a man who had been stalking her from purchasing tickets for this month's championships. The All England Club's screening system identified the individual as he attempted to enter the public ballot, blocking his access to the tournament.
"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 public comments about the incident.
The 22-year-old British tennis player acknowledged the broader issue facing female athletes, stating: "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."
The security intervention followed a disturbing pattern of behaviour that emerged earlier this year. The man had pursued Raducanu to four consecutive tournaments in February, causing significant distress to the young player.
Emma Raducanu is looking for a good result after struggling lately
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The situation reached a critical point at the Dubai Tennis Championships when Raducanu spotted him in the crowd and was reduced to tears. Following this incident, Dubai police issued a restraining order against the individual.
Tennis authorities subsequently circulated his name amongst tournament organisers as a precautionary measure. The All England Club's vigilance in identifying him through their ballot screening demonstrates the effectiveness of information sharing between tennis venues.
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Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, confirmed to BBC Sport that considerable resources are dedicated to maintaining robust security protocols at Wimbledon, including thorough checks during the ballot process and additional measures for those queuing for tickets.
This is not Raducanu's first experience with stalking. In 2022, another individual received a five-year restraining order after walking 23 miles to her residence.
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The increased security has helped Emma Raducanu
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Since the Dubai incident, the former US Open champion has travelled with increased security personnel at tournaments. "I've had great protection whenever I have been at these events recently," she explained to BBC Sport.
"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."
The enhanced measures have helped restore her confidence on tour. "I feel a difference, and that reassures me and makes me feel more comfortable," she said, adding that she now feels "comfortable and safe" whilst competing.
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Raducanu has also voiced support for fellow British player Katie Boulter, who recently spoke out about the online abuse directed at female athletes. "I'm glad Katie spoke out about it because it is something that we all go through," Raducanu told BBC Sport.
The 22-year-old revealed her own approach to dealing with negative online commentary. "I try and not to read the comments or look at the messages because it makes you upset," she explained.
Ema Raducanu spoke on the effect of online abuse
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She highlighted the psychological impact of such abuse, noting: "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."
Boulter and other female athletes across various sports have been calling for stronger action against those who target players with abuse.
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