Emma Raducanu has revealed that she is now “pretty much chaperoned everywhere” in the wake of her frightening ordeal at the Dubai Tennis Championships last month.
Security concerns for the world No. 55 have remained high after she was confronted by a “fixated” spectator in the Middle East. The individual initially approached her on-site and later appeared courtside during her second-round match against Karolina Muchova, reducing Raducanu to tears.
The spectator was eventually removed, and the former US Open champion has since taken out a restraining order against him. However, with Raducanu set to return to action at Indian Wells, concerns over her safety remain a key focus.
The tournament has already implemented extra security measures for the 22-year-old, who admitted she nearly withdrew from Indian Wells following the distressing incident. However, she has decided to compete in the WTA 1000 event and has now spoken about the precautions being taken to ensure her safety.
Raducanu shared that discreet security personnel have been keeping a watchful eye on her, making her feel more “protected” while on-site. However, she also expressed concerns about security away from the courts.
“It’s amazing to feel protected, to feel safe,” she said. “And Mike [the head of her security detail] does an amazing job of just staying in the shadows. He’s always there, but you can’t necessarily see him.”
While she doesn’t currently have private security outside the tournament venue, she is always accompanied by someone who can raise the alarm if needed.
“Whereas before I maybe would have gone on walks alone, I’m pretty much chaperoned everywhere,” Raducanu added.
She also pointed out a security flaw regarding the tournament’s player hotel, where public access remains a concern.
“Even the player hotel is public information, which is not necessarily the most helpful. Anyone can walk in, so that’s obviously a weak spot,” she explained. “I do my best, but I’m always very aware, very alert, and I don’t really go anywhere alone anymore.”
Raducanu Set for Indian Wells Return
Raducanu will face world No. 52 Moyuka Uchijima in her opening match at Indian Wells on Thursday. The Brit won their only previous encounter in straight sets at the 2022 Korea Open, though more than two years have passed since that meeting.
If she advances, a blockbuster showdown with world No. 3 Coco Gauff awaits in the second round—a battle between two Grand Slam champions.
Raducanu reached the third round in Indian Wells last year, with her best showing coming in 2023 when she made it to the fourth round. Now, she will be hoping to put her off-court concerns aside and make another deep run in the California desert.
