Summary:
- Emma Raducanu revealed she was emotionally overwhelmed by a stalking incident in Dubai earlier this year.
- She said the experience was worsened by the lack of a stable coaching team, but now feels more supported.
- Despite managing a recurring back issue, she is set to play at Queen’s Club this week as she builds up to Wimbledon.
Emma Raducanu says she’s still feeling the impact of a frightening stalking incident earlier this year, one that left her shaken and in tears during a match.
Back in February at the Dubai Championships, the British number two found herself the target of a man who had been obsessively following her.
The unsettling behavior started even before Emma Raducanu stepped on court for her second-round match against Karolina Muchova — and didn’t stop once play began.
Overcome by the situation, Raducanu broke down in tears during the match and at one point took cover behind the umpire’s chair.
I couldn’t see the ball through tears. I could barely breathe.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the 22-year-old said the experience felt even harder to deal with because she didn’t have a solid coaching setup around her at the time — something that made her feel exposed and alone.
It was difficult. 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.
While Raducanu has since taken steps to rebuild her support system, now working with coaches Mark Petchey and Nick Cavaday, she acknowledged that the experience has left a lasting impression.
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.
“I Feel Good, I Feel Pretty Settled.”
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.
Raducanu is also navigating physical setbacks as she prepares for the upcoming grass-court swing. A recurring back issue, involving spasms that have plagued much of her 2025 season, continues to require careful management.
Despite this, she remains committed to competing.
After a second-round exit at the French Open to world number one Iga Swiatek, Raducanu will now turn her attention to the grass.
She’s set to compete in the inaugural women’s Queen’s Club Championships this week, facing Spain’s Cristina Bucsa in the opening round, her first appearance at the event as she builds toward Wimbledon.