Emma Raducanu Opens Up About Disturbing Fan Encounter in Dubai: ‘I Could Barely Breathe’

Emma Raducanu is determined not to let anyone take tennis away from her. After dealing with unsettling experiences in the past few years, she made it clear that she won’t back down from what she loves. “I refuse to let a creepy situation ruin my passion for the game,” she told reporters in Indian Wells, California, ahead of her first tournament since a spectator had to be removed for inappropriate behavior during one of her matches.

Reflecting on a recent incident in Dubai, Raducanu said, “A lot happened after Dubai, and I needed time to regroup. But I couldn’t miss Indian Wells; it’s my favorite tournament.” She decided at the last minute to participate, taking a flight from London just a day after making the call.

To ensure her safety, security personnel accompany her at the tournament. “Security is key,” she noted, explaining that even when hotels are public knowledge, they can still be vulnerable spots. “I’m more aware than ever, and I don’t go anywhere alone.”

This is a reality she never expected after winning the U.S. Open at just 19. In Dubai, a man approached her during a match, causing her distress with unsettling behavior. “I was really shaken. I started the match in tears because I couldn’t focus,” she recalled, adding that she struggled to play against a high-ranked opponent due to the emotional weight of the experience. “Even though I lost, I gave it my all, considering everything I was dealing with.”

After that match, she broke down, not just from the loss, but from the overwhelming emotions of recent weeks. “It was a lot to process, and I needed a break,” she said. Returning home to England post-Dubai made things harder. “I didn’t go out much. I was unsure if I was ready to play again.”

But now, being back on the court feels refreshing for Raducanu. Instead of hiding behind her cap and avoiding interactions, she’s embracing the atmosphere at Indian Wells, which truly feels like “tennis paradise.” “The positive support from fans is wonderful; it helps lift me up,” she shared.

Her experience in Dubai was different from a similar incident in 2022 when a man visited her family home. Her family provided support then, but in Dubai, she felt more isolated. “Being alone in a foreign country made me feel vulnerable,” she explained.

Now, she rarely finds herself alone, a necessary measure that brings both comfort and challenges. “It’s not how I imagined my life, but I’m adapting,” she said. She expressed that while she loves interacting with fans, she now feels cautious and can’t always be as open as she would like. “You can’t say yes to every photo or autograph anymore. You just never know.”

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