Emma Raducanu Stalker Incident In Dubai Calls For Better Athlete Protection

The recent incident involving British tennis player Emma Raducanu at the Dubai Tennis Championships has once again highlighted the dangers that female athletes face. The distressing sight of Raducanu seeking safety behind the umpire’s chair after spotting a man who had previously stalked her is a stark reminder of the security threats these athletes endure. The individual was detained by police and given a restraining order, but the incident raises broader concerns about the safety of women in sports.

The Unique Security Threats Faced by Female Athletes

Women in sports are particularly vulnerable to stalking and harassment. According to the UK's Office of National Statistics, one in five women experiences stalking in their lifetime. As reported by BBC, the visibility that comes with being a public figure only amplifies these risks.

Many female athletes have been subjected to predatory behaviour. Raducanu herself had previously been targeted in 2022 when a man walked 23 miles to her home, leading to a five-year restraining order against him. Other athletes, including British player Katie Boulter, American tennis players Danielle Collins and Sloane Stephens, and basketball star Caitlin Clark, have also reported instances of stalking and harassment.

Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli shared a similar experience from 2007 when a man followed her through multiple tournaments, eventually disguising himself as a Wimbledon ground staff member to get closer to her. The psychological toll of such incidents cannot be overstated, with many athletes expressing severe anxiety and fear over their personal safety.

Stephanie Hilborne, CEO of Women in Sport, emphasised that "every single woman has a level of fear," regardless of their level of visibility. However, for female athletes, the public nature of their profession exacerbates these risks, particularly in sports where their bodies are constantly on display.

How the Incident Unfolded in Dubai

The events leading up to Raducanu’s distress in Dubai paint a concerning picture of security lapses. She was approached by the man near the tournament site and received a letter from him containing personal details. Despite notifying the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and tournament security, the man was still able to enter the stadium and hid himself near the court during her match against Karolina Muchova.

Raducanu looked visibly distressed, she then informed the umpire, prompting security to remove the individual. However, the failure to prevent him from accessing the venue in the first place raises serious questions about the effectiveness of existing security protocols.

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A Disturbing Pattern of Stalking Across Multiple Countries

Emma Raducanu’s coaching team has disclosed unsettling details about a persistent stalker who had been following the British tennis star across various countries before a distressing encounter in Dubai. According to Roman Kelecic, a former junior coach of Raducanu who was also seen working with her in Abu Dhabi, the same individual had been spotted at multiple tournaments.

Speaking to the Croatian outlet Net, Kelecic revealed that the stalker had first been seen in Singapore in January and later reappeared at tournaments in Abu Dhabi, Doha, and finally Dubai. Initially mistaken for an enthusiastic fan, the individual’s behaviour escalated, becoming increasingly invasive.

Kelecic described how the stalker’s early interactions seemed harmless—taking selfies and attempting physical contact like hugs. However, his calculated strategy became evident when he deliberately sought moments when Raducanu’s security detail was not present.

“The only time in a month when neither I, the fitness coach, nor the security guard was with her, he saw an opportunity,” Kelecic recounted. “He assessed the situation, planned every detail, and executed his strategy to get close to her. The level of thought he put into this was terrifying.”

A Stalker Slips Through the Cracks

Despite security officials being alerted and given a photograph of the stalker before Raducanu’s match, the man managed to infiltrate the crowd. Shockingly, it was Raducanu herself who first identified him mid-match.

Kelecic detailed the chilling moment: “Three or four hours before the match, we had his photo. The entire tournament security had it. Everyone knew who he was. Then, during the first game—two points in—Emma signalled something from across the court. At first, we didn’t understand. Then she lost the first game, ran to us in tears, and shouted, ‘Here he is, here he is!’”

Raducanu’s Resilience in the Face of Trauma

Following the incident, Raducanu took to social media to address the distressing experience. She expressed gratitude for the support she received, acknowledging the emotional toll but emphasizing her determination to continue competing.

“Difficult experience yesterday but I’ll be okay,” she wrote. “Proud of how I came back and competed despite what happened at the start of the match. Thank you to Karolina for being a great sport and best of luck to her for the rest of the tournament.”

While Raducanu chose not to press charges, the stalker has been required to sign an undertaking to stay away from her. 

Dubai authorities have taken swift action to address an incident involving British tennis star Emma Raducanu, in accordance with local legal protocols. Following Raducanu’s complaint, Dubai Police detained a tourist who approached her, left her a note, took her photograph, and…

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 20, 2025

The Psychological Toll on Athletes

The emotional and psychological impact of such incidents cannot be ignored. British long-distance runner Mhairi Maclennan, co-founder of Kyniska Advocacy, argued that athletes in Raducanu’s position should have the option to leave the court for an emotional welfare assessment.

"When something like this happens during a competition, it can completely derail an athlete," Maclennan explained. "They should have the choice to pause the game, seek support, and regain composure before continuing."

Raducanu, despite managing to continue her match, ultimately lost 7-6 (8-6), 6-4. While the outcome may not have changed, the lack of immediate support highlights the need for better crisis management protocols in such situations.

Security Measures and Their Shortcomings

The WTA claims that players are escorted to and from the match court by at least one security officer, with additional measures provided in cases of credible threats. In Raducanu’s case, extra security was supposedly implemented after she raised concerns. Yet, the fact that the individual was able to enter the stadium remains deeply troubling.

Hilborne criticized this failure, stating, "If an athlete has already reported someone, there should be absolutely no chance that person can turn up in that situation." She emphasized the need for stronger enforcement of security measures to ensure that reported threats are taken seriously.

The Need for Systemic Change

Advocates are calling for more robust anti-misogyny policies as a mandatory condition for sports funding. Women in Sport has urged for the deactivation of social media accounts spreading misogynistic messages and the establishment of an independent sporting regulator to handle reports of harassment and discrimination.

Additionally, Hilborne emphasised the importance of men standing in solidarity with women to address systemic issues. "When we celebrate brilliant athletes like Emma Raducanu, we should be focusing on their talent, not on the threats they face. The fact that we are still having these conversations shows that not enough has been done."

While organisations like the WTA claim to prioritise player safety, repeated breaches highlight the urgent need for stronger enforcement and more comprehensive protective policies.