Raducanu praises Wimbledon for 'amazing job' of blocking stalker
June 24 (Reuters) - Briton Emma Raducanu said she felt reassured about her safety after Wimbledon prevented a man who had been stalking her from buying tickets for the Grand Slam that begins on Monday.
The former U.S. Open champion had been followed by the man to WTA events in Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Doha earlier this year and she broke down in tears after noticing him during one of her matches at the Dubai Championships in February.
The man was given a restraining order by Dubai police and banned from all Tour events but officials at Wimbledon, which is organised by the All England Club, had to block him following a sweep of the public ballot applicants.
"Wimbledon and everyone did an amazing job," Raducanu told the BBC. "I got a notification, the police contacted me and told me everything was OK."
"I know that I'm not the first athlete to go through this, and I probably won't be the last - not just as an athlete, but females in general."
The 22-year-old, who had not yet been born when then world number one Monica Seles was stabbed in the back by a fan at an event in 1993, said she felt much safer with extra security at events.
"I have a lot more protection around me - especially the ones here in the UK, where it's busy and there's more spectators around. I feel a difference, and that reassures me and makes me feel more comfortable," she added.
Raducanu also praised British number two Katie Boulter for sharing her experience of online abuse.
"I try and not read the comments or look at the messages because it makes you upset," she said. "It doesn't matter how many positive comments you read, you are always going to remember the more negative ones - so I just try and stay away."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
32 minutes ago
- The Independent
Josh Tongue confident of England's chances against India: ‘We can chase anything down'
England are gunning for another remarkable 'Bazball' chase in the first Rothesay Test against India, with Josh Tongue insisting a draw has not crossed their mind. Tongue took three wickets in four balls on a dramatic fourth evening at Headingley as India left their hosts a chase of 371 – and a glimmer of hope in a game they should have killed off after hundreds from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. England head into the final day needing 350 more with all 10 wickets intact, a tall order that would once have been considered mission impossible. But it was just three years ago, in the early days of Ben Stokes ' captaincy, that they hunted down a record 378 at Edgbaston against the very same opponents. Better yet, they did it for the loss of only three wickets and roared home in the 77th over. With 90 at their disposal on Tuesday, there is no interest in batting out for a stalemate. There has been just one draw since Stokes took over as skipper, a rain-ruined clash with Australia in 2023. Asked if sharing the spoils in this series opener would be acceptable, Tongue said: 'No. I think we'll just go for the win. 'That's the clear message in the changing room. It's just being as positive as we can. They're going to bowl well at times, so it's just crucial we soak up that bit of pressure and reapply it again on their bowlers. 'I don't see why we can't chase that down. With our batting line-up I feel we can chase anything down.' Tongue also saw fit to raise memories of Stokes' finest hour as a Test cricketer, his 'miracle of Headingley' in 2019, where a magical century carried England to 359 by a solitary wicket. 'I remember Stokesy's innings here against the Aussies,' he added with a smile. The target may well have been taken far out of England's grasp had India not imploded from 333 for four to 364 all out in their second innings. Tongue was the main reason for their hasty conclusion, wrapping up a triple-wicket maiden with the scalps of Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. He was decisive against the tail in India's first innings collapse too and is ready to lean into Ben Duckett's suggested nickname, 'the mop'. 'I've done it twice now, so I might have to start calling myself that,' he said. 'When the lower order is in it's a good opportunity to get some wickets.' Rahul, who played with great control for his 137, is ready for fireworks as both teams fight to the end of a thrilling contest. 'It's a blockbuster finish waiting tomorrow,' he said. 'There's definitely going to be a result. That's what England have said very openly and their style of cricket suggests that as well. That gives us a good opportunity to pick up 10 wickets.'
The National
33 minutes ago
- The National
Missiles launched from Iran, Israeli military claims
Shortly after 8.30am UK-time on Tuesday, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) said it had identified missiles which had been launched from Iran. It said that air defence systems are "operating to intercept the threat" and advised people to go into shelters. The IDF said that air raid alerts had been activated in the north of Israel following the detection of missiles. Iran has not confirmed the attack. It comes just hours after a ceasefire deal was reportedly reached between Iran and Israel. This is a breaking news story. We will bring you more as we have it.
Daily Mail
37 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Ryan Reynolds breaks silence on Paul Mullin's Wrexham departure - after legendary striker joined Wigan on season-long loan
Ryan Reynolds has paid tribute to Paul Mullin after the legendary Wrexham striker joined Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan deal. Mullin, 30, gained iconic status in North Wales for his role in Wrexham's fairytale run from the National League to the Championship under the ownership of Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Mullin moved to the Welsh outfit from Cambridge in 2021 and was the side's top goalscorer and Player of the Season in his first three campaigns. The Red Dragons were promoted once again at the end of last season after finishing second in League One but Mullin contributed just three goals and featured in 26 games after falling out of favour. He was also not involved past January after a reported disagreement with manager Phil Parkinson, while the winter additions of strikers Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez saw Mullin increasingly marginalised. With Mullin unlikely to be involved next season, the striker, who is under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season, agreed a move to League One side Wigan for the 2025-26 campaign. And, although his departure was expected, it has still left those of a Wrexham persuasion saddened and Reynolds paid a heartfelt tribute to the 30-year-old on social media. Taking to Instagram to post a compilation of Mullin in action and scoring goals for Wrexham with his song 'Super Paul Mullin' playing over the background, Reynolds said: 'I can't imagine seeing Mulls on loan and in another kit. 'We wouldn't be where we are without his heart, skill and work ethic. We love you, @paulmullin12. SPM.' Fans were quick to pay tribute to Mullin in the comments while the striker also replied with a love heart emoji to Reynolds. Meanwhile, Mullin also took to social media after the move was confirmed on Monday and urged everyone at Wrexham to continue their startling rise up the English football pyramid. A caption over an image of a jersey commemorating his 100th goal for the Welsh club read: 'All the very best to everyone at Wrexham this season keep the train rolling.' He also opened up on the move further to the Wigan website and outlined his excitement for the season ahead where he will play under former Preston North End and Plymouth Argyle manager Ryan Lowe. 'I'm excited for the next part of my story,' Mullin said. 'The gaffer has outlined his plan for the season, and I'm hoping to take his trust into the season and make it a really successful one. 'As a player, I give absolutely everything and work as hard as I can. 'I've scored a lot of goals over the last few years, but more than anything, I give my absolute all for the club that I'm playing for, and I'm going to do that again with Wigan.' Elsewhere, Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson added: 'I'd like to wish Paul all the best for his loan move. 'It's a good opportunity for him to get back to playing regular first-team football and I'm sure he's going to be a great signing for Wigan Athletic.' In total, Mullin scored 110 goals for Wrexham in 172 matches and his final strike came against Stevenage in January during a 3-2 defeat.
