Emma Raducanu has revealed she remains "wary" when going out following her harrowing experience with a stalker at the Dubai Tennis Championships in February.
The British number two admitted the ordeal has left lasting effects on her daily life.
"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," the 22-year-old told BBC Sport.
The 2021 US Open champion's admission comes four months after the disturbing incident that left her in tears during a match.
Emma Raducanu fell to a second round defeat in the French Open
Reuters
Despite the ongoing caution, Raducanu is determined to move forward as she approaches the grass-court season.
The incident in Dubai saw Raducanu hiding behind the umpire's chair in tears after receiving repeated unwanted attention from a "fixated" man before and during her second-round match against Karolina Muchova.
"I couldn't see the ball through tears" and could "barely breathe," Raducanu recalled of the traumatic experience.
The situation was made worse by her lack of a full-time coach at the time.
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Emma Raducanu admitted to being 'wary' when being outside
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"It was difficult," she told BBC Sport. "It was emphasised by the fact I didn't necessarily feel certain or comfortable in my own set-up and team so it just added to the anxious feeling."
The stalking ordeal has prompted increased security awareness at tournaments.
"I've definitely noticed a difference in how people are watching my back when I'm on the site," she said.
Raducanu has found renewed stability with coaches Mark Petchey and Nick Cavaday, marking a significant shift from the instability that plagued her earlier this year.
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Her childhood coach Cavaday has returned to her team for the grass-court season after stepping aside for health reasons in January.
"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 negative, I kind of brush it off as much as I can," she said.
The British star acknowledged her need for trust within her team.
"I've learnt about myself that I can't necessarily do it with people that I don't trust. I trust them both [Petchey and Cavaday] a lot."
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Mark Petchey is coaching Emma Raducanu full time
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Raducanu is managing persistent back spasms as she prepares for the Queen's Club Championships this week.
The ongoing issue has hindered her for much of 2025, adding another challenge to her comeback efforts.
She will face Spanish qualifier Cristina Bucsa in the first round on Tuesday at the inaugural women's tournament at Queen's. The event marks the first women's competition at the venue since 1973.
Despite the physical setbacks, including a second-round exit to Iga Swiatek at the French Open, Raducanu has maintained a measured approach, saying she is "pretty chilled out".
The British number two, now ranked 37th in the world, has played down expectations whilst focusing on managing her back condition ahead of Wimbledon later this month.
"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.
"When you see those negative headlines, especially, it is really hard. I'm someone who cares what people think and what people say. So it is not easy for me to deal with."
She hopes to inspire those who have faced rejection.
"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."
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