'I could barely breathe': Emma Raducanu’s harrowing stalking story and her path to recovery

Emma Raducanu has opened up about the lasting impact of a terrifying stalking incident she endured earlier this year at the Dubai Tennis Championships, revealing she still feels "wary" when stepping outside.

The British No. 2, who shot to fame after her 2021 US Open win, admitted the experience continues to affect her daily life more than four months on.

"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," the 22-year-old told BBC Sport.

The traumatic episode unfolded during Raducanu’s second-round match against Karolina Muchova in Dubai this February. The young star was left in tears, hiding behind the umpire's chair after being targeted by a persistent and “fixated” man who repeatedly sought her attention before and during the match.

"I couldn’t see the ball through tears," she recalled, adding that she could "barely breathe" as the ordeal unfolded.

At the time, Raducanu was also without a full-time coach, which added to her sense of vulnerability. "It was difficult," she said. "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.".

Since the incident, tournament organisers and her team have increased their security measures. "I've definitely noticed a difference in how people are watching my back when I'm on the site," Raducanu confirmed.

The British star has since regained stability, reuniting with coaches Mark Petchey and her childhood mentor Nick Cavaday, who returned after stepping aside earlier this year for health reasons. This renewed support has helped her feel more secure and focused.

Alongside overcoming the stalking ordeal, Raducanu has been managing persistent back spasms that have hampered much of her 2025 season. She prepares now for the Queen's Club Championships, where she will face Spanish qualifier Cristina Bucsa in the first round at the first-ever women's tournament held there since 1973.

In addition to singles, Raducanu has teamed up with fellow British player Katie Boulter in the doubles competition at Queen’s Club. The pair secured a 6-4, 6-2 win in their opening match, facing Wu Fang-Hsien and Jiang Xinyu, adding a positive boost to Raducanu’s comeback efforts.

Match Statistics Jiang X / Wu F-H vs. Boulter K / Raducanu E

Despite the physical challenges and a recent second-round exit at the French Open, Raducanu remains calm and realistic about her journey back to top form. "I’m pretty chilled out," she said.

Now ranked 37th in the world, Raducanu is focused less on expectations and more on recovery ahead of Wimbledon later this month, and a strong showing at Queen’s could help her push for a seeded spot at the Championships.

"I want to be a message and just an example of someone who has faced a lot of adversity, a lot of scrutiny, a lot of judgement and try and come out of that as best as I can," she said.

Raducanu admitted it is tough dealing with negative headlines. "I’m someone who cares what people think and what people say. So it is not easy for me to deal with."

She hopes to inspire others who have faced rejection or setbacks. "For anyone who’s kind of been dropped or had a lot of rejections, to try and come out on the other side as best as possible."

As she looks ahead to Wimbledon and the rest of 2025, Raducanu remains determined to use her platform to inspire others who have faced similar struggles, proving that setbacks do not define one’s future.