Emma Raducanu says she's finally come to terms with a stalking experience that left her in tears on court. The British tennis star, who turned 23 earlier this month, revealed she had previously been approached twice by an individual who would follow her in different countries.
However, since going through the ordeal at the Dubai Open in March, Raducanu says she has made significant progress in moving forward. She admitted that stalking had left her feeling anxious and fearful of being recognized in public. The stress was so great that it even affected her neck and back due to constantly keeping her head down.
Raducanu shared an amusing anecdote about experiencing a similar situation last week when taking her two best friends to a rugby match in London. They were unaware they had been spotted by the paparazzi, leading to an uncomfortable encounter with a stranger who assumed she was dating someone else - her friend's brother, no less.
The tennis star reflected on how the stalking experience has taught her valuable lessons about personal strength and resilience. Despite going through very difficult times on and off the court, Raducanu credits spending time studying, learning, and nurturing her brain for helping her overcome the challenges she faced.
"I've gotten over it," Raducanu said candidly about her stalking experience, which included a distressing incident in Dubai where she struggled to play due to emotional distress. "What did creep me out was I saw a photo of myself in London, and I didn't see the paps [paparazzi photographers]. I was with my two best friends."
Raducanu believes that this experience has made her stronger and more aware of what she needs to do to protect herself from falling back into negative patterns. With time, reflection, and a focus on personal growth, Raducanu is now content with who she is and feels ready for the 2026 season.
The 23-year-old tennis star said that learning about her own strength was crucial during this difficult period in her life. "I think I've learned a lot about myself this year," Raducanu emphasized.
However, since going through the ordeal at the Dubai Open in March, Raducanu says she has made significant progress in moving forward. She admitted that stalking had left her feeling anxious and fearful of being recognized in public. The stress was so great that it even affected her neck and back due to constantly keeping her head down.
Raducanu shared an amusing anecdote about experiencing a similar situation last week when taking her two best friends to a rugby match in London. They were unaware they had been spotted by the paparazzi, leading to an uncomfortable encounter with a stranger who assumed she was dating someone else - her friend's brother, no less.
The tennis star reflected on how the stalking experience has taught her valuable lessons about personal strength and resilience. Despite going through very difficult times on and off the court, Raducanu credits spending time studying, learning, and nurturing her brain for helping her overcome the challenges she faced.
"I've gotten over it," Raducanu said candidly about her stalking experience, which included a distressing incident in Dubai where she struggled to play due to emotional distress. "What did creep me out was I saw a photo of myself in London, and I didn't see the paps [paparazzi photographers]. I was with my two best friends."
Raducanu believes that this experience has made her stronger and more aware of what she needs to do to protect herself from falling back into negative patterns. With time, reflection, and a focus on personal growth, Raducanu is now content with who she is and feels ready for the 2026 season.
The 23-year-old tennis star said that learning about her own strength was crucial during this difficult period in her life. "I think I've learned a lot about myself this year," Raducanu emphasized.