Wimbledon will step up security this summer after Emma Raducanu’s stalking ordeal in Dubai. And the All England Club stated that the safety of players is “our absolute priority” and will put in place “measures that are reflective of the threat”.
The British No.2 admitted this week that she is still “wary” when she goes out and said: “I try not to be careless about it because you only realise how much of a problem it is when you’re in that situation and I don’t necessarily want to be in that situation again.” And British No.1 Katie Boulter has revealed she was once followed in London and said: “It’s part of life when you’re in the public eye a little bit. Obviously you don’t feel comfortable.”
Speaking at today’s Spring Conference, the All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton said: “The safety and wellbeing of all of the players is our absolute top priority. I think the recent incidents coming to light certainly recognise the concern generated by that. But we have in place – and have had for many years – processes for ensuring the safety of our players.
“And that is in liaison with law enforcement agencies, specialist security teams and we liaise with both tours. And that is year round not just in preparation for The Championships. And it is a bit like the broader security for the grounds. We are putting in place measures that are reflective of the threat and risk profile at the time. It is absolutely a top priority for us.
“We probably wouldn’t at this point comment on any details in respect of any individual athlete but that intelligence is being gathered working with those other parties throughout the year to make sure we have got the right measures in place come The Championships.”
Discussing the incident which saw Raducanu receive unwanted attention from a “fixated” man both before and during a match against Karolina Muchova in Dubai in February, the Briton admits it has had some lasting effects.
“It was difficult,” she told BBC Sport. “It was emphasised by the fact I didn’t necessarily feel certain or comfortable in my own set-up and team so it just added to the anxious feeling.
“I’m obviously wary when I go out. I try not to be careless about it because you only realise how much of a problem it is when you’re in that situation and I don’t necessarily want to be in that situation again.
“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 negative, I kind of brush it off as much as I can.”
At the time of the incident, Raducanu said she “couldn’t see the ball through tears” and could “barely breathe”.
