Emma Raducanu became a household name at just 18 when she shocked the world by winning the 2021 US Open as a qualifier. It was a historic moment—no other qualifier from the Open Era had ever won a Grand Slam. But since then, her career has been marred by injuries and inconsistency. The question on everyone’s mind: Was the British tennis star a one-hit wonder, or could she rise again? While the spotlight brought fame and fortune, it also brought mounting pressure. This popularity revealed an uglier side when Raducanu had to deal with a stalker mid-match. She has now opened up on her disturbing encounter.

The incident took place during her second-round match at the Dubai Championships in February. Just two games into her contest against Karolina Muchova, Raducanu hid behind the umpire’s chair. A man, who had been following her across events in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, had made his way into the stands. Dubai police later removed the man, citing his “fixed behavior,” and issued a restraining order. He has also been banned from attending any WTA events in the future.

Emma Raducanu’s ex-coach Roman Kelecic later revealed that the same man had approached her near the players’ hotel a day before the match. He gave her a letter and took her picture, leaving her deeply unsettled. Speaking for the first time since the ordeal, she shared just how shaken she was.
The 22-year-old tennis player said, “I saw him in the first game of the match and I was like, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to finish.’ I literally couldn’t see the ball through tears. I could barely breathe. I was like, ‘I need to just take a breather.’”

The former U.S Open champion further said, “Since that incident I have definitely got increased attention and greater security. All we can do is look at what happened and react to it in a better way, in a more positive way, rather than looking back and blaming the situation. Now it is being dealt with better, so for me that’s important. I’m always now very aware and not necessarily doing things on my own anymore.“

The Briton has since ramped up her security. At Indian Wells, she will be “pretty much chaperoned everywhere” to ensure her safety. Despite everything, she is determined to move forward.

Emma Raducanu faces a tough road ahead at Indian Wells

Emma Raducanu had contemplated whether to travel so soon after the stalker incident. After the Dubai Open, she went back home to England. However, now she is pulling up her socks to get back on the court. Indian Wells holds a special place in her heart, and being there has lifted her spirits.

The British tennis player said, “Since being here in this environment, which is one of my favourite tournaments, I have felt a lot better. The allure of Indian Wells was a big part of me coming. I wasn’t sure if I was going to come and compete so soon. I just wanted to make sure I was ready but since coming here I have surprised myself with how happy I feel here.”

But the draw has not been kind to her. Raducanu, currently ranked No. 55 in the world, will face Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima in the first round. If she wins, things get much tougher from there—potentially standing in her way in the second round is Coco Gauff. Though the World number 3  has been experiencing a dip in her form since her quarterfinal exit at the Australian Open, she dominated their only previous meeting at the 2023 Australian Open. Raducanu will have to produce her best tennis to have a shot at an upset.

Last year, Emma Raducanu made it to the third round at Indian Wells. Can she go even further this time in the desert?