In a show of solidarity, former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli has publicly expressed her support for Emma Raducanu following a recent stalking incident that led to Raducanu halting her match in Dubai. Bartoli, herself a victim of stalking during her career, shared her own unsettling experience and commended Raducanu’s strength in handling the distressing situation.
Raducanu’s Dubai Ordeal
Last week at the Dubai Tennis Championships, Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, was visibly shaken after spotting a man in the stands who had previously approached her. The incident occurred during her second-round match against Karolina Muchova, causing her to stop play. Raducanu, 22, was seen in tears as she sought refuge behind the umpire’s chair.
Reports indicate that the individual had been following Raducanu across multiple tournaments, including stops in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. The police intervened, and a restraining order has been issued to protect Raducanu, although she has chosen not to press charges.
Bartoli’s Experience Echoes Raducanu’s
Inspired by Raducanu’s situation, Marion Bartoli, the 2013 Wimbledon champion and former world No. 7, has revealed her own experience with a stalker during the 2007 grass court season. Bartoli, now 40, recounted how a man persistently followed her throughout the summer, a period that saw her reach her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon.
Infiltration and Disguise
Bartoli described how the stalker managed to infiltrate the grounds at tournaments in Birmingham and Eastbourne, even disguising himself as a ball kid and a groundsman. “Someone just followed me through the whole grass season in 2007,” Bartoli stated. “That person found a way to get into the grounds, behaving like a ball kid and a groundsman.”
At Wimbledon, the stalker went to extreme lengths, purchasing the same kit as the ground staff to gain access to the court. Bartoli recognized him from her first-round match against Flavia Pennetta and immediately alerted tournament officials.
Swift Action by Wimbledon Officials
Bartoli praised the swift response of the All England Club, who identified the individual, removed him from the premises, and placed his picture at all entrances to prevent further intrusion. “I pointed out straight away to the All England Club and the organization of the tournament to say that he was not a groundsperson, he was not working there,” Bartoli explained. “They found a way to get his identity and get rid of him and put his picture on all the entrances of the All England Club.”
The Psychological Toll of Stalking
Both Bartoli and Raducanu’s experiences highlight the significant psychological toll that stalking can take on athletes, especially young women. Bartoli, who was 22 at the time of her stalking ordeal, admitted that it was “very, very stressful.”
The visibility that comes with being a public figure amplifies these risks for female athletes. Many have been subjected to predatory behavior, leading to severe anxiety and fear. Raducanu herself was previously targeted in 2022 when a man walked 23 miles to her home, resulting in a five-year restraining order against him. Other athletes, including Katie Boulter, Danielle Collins, Sloane Stephens, and Caitlin Clark, have also reported instances of stalking and harassment.
Calls for Enhanced Athlete Protection
Raducanu’s stalking incident in Dubai has reignited calls for better protection for athletes, particularly women, who are often vulnerable to stalking and harassment. The UK’s Office of National Statistics reports that one in five women experiences stalking in their lifetime, highlighting the pervasive nature of this issue.
Learning from Maria Sharapova
In the past, Bartoli has suggested that Raducanu could benefit from seeking advice from Maria Sharapova on handling pressure and fame. Sharapova, who dealt with intense media scrutiny and public attention throughout her career, could offer valuable insights on navigating the challenges of being a high-profile athlete.
Raducanu’s Current Form and Ranking
Emma Raducanu’s career has been marked by both triumph and adversity. Her stunning victory at the 2021 US Open, where she became the first qualifier in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam singles title, catapulted her to international stardom. However, she has also faced challenges with injuries and fluctuating form.
As of February 27, 2025, Raducanu is ranked No. 55 in the world, some way off her career-high ranking of No. 10, which she held in July 2022. Her 2025 season began with a third-round appearance at the Australian Open, where she lost to Iga Swiatek. She has since experienced some early setbacks, including first-round losses in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar.
Grand Slam Performance
Raducanu’s Grand Slam record includes a fourth-round appearance at Wimbledon in both 2021 and 2024. Apart from her US Open win, she has not progressed beyond the second round at the French Open.
Looking Ahead
Despite the recent challenges, Raducanu remains a promising talent with the potential to achieve great things in tennis. Her resilience and determination, as evidenced by her handling of the stalking incident in Dubai, will undoubtedly serve her well as she continues her career.
Bartoli’s Words of Encouragement
Bartoli’s decision to share her own stalking experience and voice her support for Raducanu is a testament to the importance of solidarity and open dialogue in addressing this issue. By speaking out, Bartoli hopes to raise awareness and encourage other athletes to seek help if they are experiencing similar situations.
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