Emma Raducanu has opened up about the emotional and psychological impact of her stalker ordeal earlier this year. The 22-year-old British tennis star revealed that the incident has left her feeling "wary" when she goes out, especially during tournaments.

The Incident in Dubai

Raducanu recounted the distressing moment during a match against Karolina Muchova in Dubai, where she spotted a man who had been "fixated" on her before and during the match. The situation escalated to the point where Raducanu was left cowering behind the umpire's chair in tears, unable to see the ball clearly. "I couldn't see the ball through tears," she said.

Mental Resilience and Support

In an interview with the BBC, Raducanu shared that the period was particularly challenging as she was without a full-time coach. However, she has since found stability with new coaches Mark Petchey and Nick Cavaday. Despite this, the unsettling feeling off the court remains. "I'm obviously wary when I go out. I try not to be careless about it because you only realize how much of a problem it is when you're in that situation," she explained.

Dealing with Negative Press

Raducanu also addressed the difficulties of dealing with negative headlines and social media comments, especially following her injuries and a decline in form since her remarkable US Open triumph in 2021. "When you see those negative headlines, especially, it is really hard. I'm someone who cares what people think and what people say. So it is not easy for me to deal with," she added.

Looking Ahead

Despite these challenges, Raducanu remains focused on her career. She will feature in the inaugural women's Queen's Club Championships this week, as she prepares for Wimbledon. "Off the court right now, I feel good. I feel pretty settled. I feel like I have good people around me and anything that was kind of negative I'm just trying to brush it off as much as I can," she said.

Raducanu's resilience and determination continue to inspire fans and fellow athletes alike as she navigates both her professional and personal challenges.