Emma Raducanu has been promised extra security if she plays in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. The 22-year-old was seen in a state of distress during her defeat to Karolina Muchova in Dubai last week, after spotting a man who exhibited ‘fixated behaviour’ towards her in the crowd.
Prior to the incident, the same man reportedly approached Raducanu outside a cafe near the tournament hotel, handing her a letter containing his personal details.
The individual was detained by police in the United Arab Emirates and has since been given a restraining order.
After her match, Raducanu immediately flew back to the UK and released a statement thanking fans for their support. The British player is yet to confirm if she’ll take her place in the main draw of the Indian Wells tournament that gets underway next week.
According to The Times, Raducanu is likely to play the event and will be offered extra security guards, with the operation overseen by a former US Secret Service agent. The WTA Tour’s vice-president of security is Bob Campbell, who has been in the role since 2013.
Campbell worked as a secret service agent for 20 years between 1983 and 2003. He also worked for Bill Clinton during his presidency before taking a role with Major League Baseball.
Raducanu is reportedly set to be offered up to five extra guards when she is at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The guards could also potentially accompany her off-site to her accommodation.
The 2021 US Open champion is currently managed by IMG, who could also opt to employ extra security for their client. The saga in Dubai isn’t the first time she’s been targeted by a stalker since her incredible Grand Slam win in New York.
In 2022, a man was convicted and handed a five-year restraining order after stalking Raducanu outside her home. The Brit was still a teenager at the time.
Since her match in Dubai, where Raducanu broke down in tears before hiding behind the umpire’s chair, Raducanu has only spoken publicly on social media, posting on Instagram: “Thank you for the messages of support.
“Difficult experience yesterday but I’ll be okay and proud of how I came back and competed despite what happened at the start of the match. Thank you to Karoline for being a great sport and best of luck to her for the rest of the tournament.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk