Emma Raducanu says Dubai stalking incident ‘could have been dealt with better’
The man approached Raducanu near the Dubai Player Hotel the day before the second round against Karolina Muchova.
He gave her a letter and took her pictures, and understandably Raducanu realized his presence in the matches in Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Doha in the last few weeks.
Although she reported it to members of the team, the information was not passed to the WTA or the game until the next day, which made it only take a few hours for security personnel to prepare.
“I think they’re very exciting weeks because it’s been going on for a few weeks,” Rakanu said.
“It’s very tired. When I came home from England, I took a week off and decided to come here.”
Raducanu, who won the world reputation when she won the 18-year-old U.S. Open in 2021, told the BBC that she is unlikely to invest in private security in the competition, but added that she is taking more precautions.
“I’m always very aware now that I don’t necessarily do things myself,” she added.
“I’m always with someone, I’m always watching.”
After deciding to go to Wells in India (one of the biggest events outside of the four Grand Slams), it surprised her how happy Raducanu has felt since she arrived in California.
Raducanu will play Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima in the first round Thursday, with the winner facing the third-seeded Coco Goff in the second round.
“Since being in this environment – one of my favorite games – I feel much better,” she said.
“The charm of the Indian Well is a big part of me. I’m not sure if I’ll be playing so soon.
“I just wanted to make sure I was ready, but since I came here, I’ve been amazed by the joy here.
“This is probably one of my favorite places on the calendar and I’m ready.”
