Raducanu stalker under restraining order, tried to get Wimbledon tickets

The All England Club's stringent security measures have successfully intercepted an attempt by an individual, already under a restraining order for stalking Emma Raducanu, to acquire tickets for this month's Wimbledon Championships. BBC Sport has revealed that the man's name was flagged within the club's security system, effectively blocking his entry into the public ballot for tickets.

This incident underscores the persistent challenges faced by high-profile athletes and comes after a particularly distressing encounter for the British number one earlier this year. Raducanu, 22, was visibly shaken and reduced to tears during a match at the Dubai Tennis Championships in February when she spotted the same man, who had reportedly followed her to four consecutive tournaments, in the stands.

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What happened in Dubai?

During the Dubai incident, the man had approached Raducanu near the player hotel the day prior, handing her a letter and requesting a photo in a coffee shop. This interaction, coupled with his presence at preceding tournaments in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, unnerved the young star. Although initially reported to a team member, the information was not passed to the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) or the tournament organizers until the following day. Mid-match, just two games into her defeat, Raducanu spotted him in the crowd and, overwhelmed, hid behind the umpire's chair. The man, described as exhibiting "fixated behaviour," was subsequently removed from the stands, detained by local police, and issued a restraining order by Dubai authorities. His name was then circulated among global tennis authorities.

'I could barely breathe'

Recounting the ordeal, Raducanu told reporters, "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."

Since the Dubai incident, Raducanu, who shot to global fame by winning the US Open as an 18-year-old in 2021, has experienced heightened security. "Since that incident I have definitely got increased attention and greater security. I'm always now very aware and not necessarily doing things on my own any more. I'm always with someone and always being watched," the 22-year-old stated. This recent attempt is not an isolated event for Raducanu; another man received a five-year restraining order in 2022 after walking 23 miles to her home.

Sally Bolton, Chief Executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), emphasized the robust security measures in place at Wimbledon, assuring players of their safety. "We're liaising with the tours, with the Met Police, with other security agencies right through the year to think about the types of risks we need to look at and adjusting what we put in place," Bolton commented.

Wimbledon's comprehensive security framework, which undergoes annual review, includes an estimated 1,000 personnel dedicated to various security aspects during the Championships. Beyond the ballot screening, enhanced checks are in place for those entering via the queue, requiring personal registration. On-site, police and military personnel are complemented by discreet security teams, including specialists trained in handling "fixated threats" and behavioral experts adept at spotting unusual conduct. Extensive CCTV coverage is maintained, with specific sweeps conducted near players' seats if concerns arise. Protection officers are strategically positioned on courts, particularly Centre Court and No.1 Court, with rapid response teams available to address any spontaneous incidents within the grounds. Regular communication with the referees' office also ensures proactive discussions on scheduling and potential security implications.