**Wimbledon Pledges Enhanced Security Following Emma Raducanu Stalking Ordeal and Boulter Incident**
Wimbledon organisers have announced significant enhancements to their security protocols in light of recent high-profile incidents involving British tennis players Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter. The move comes amidst growing concerns over player safety, particularly after Raducanu was left visibly shaken and in tears following a stalker’s actions at a tournament in Dubai earlier this year.
Raducanu, who made headlines with her fairytale US Open victory in 2021, experienced a deeply distressing episode during a match against Karolina Muchova in February. During that encounter, a man, reportedly already known to the player after giving her a letter and taking photographs, targeted her with unwelcome advances from the crowd. The incident proved so upsetting that Raducanu sought sanctuary behind the umpire’s chair, clearly distressed by the ordeal.
Such experiences highlight the darker side of sporting fame, with increased visibility sometimes resulting in unwanted and even dangerous attention. This was not the first time Raducanu has encountered such behaviour. Previously, at just 18, she had to cope with a stalker arriving at her home on three separate occasions in the wake of her US Open success—a troubling reminder of the persistent risks faced by high-profile athletes.
Katie Boulter, a fellow British tennis star who recently partnered with Raducanu in doubles at the prestigious Queen’s Club, has spoken out about her own unsettling encounter. Boulter detailed how she was followed as she left the London venue, describing the incident as part of the difficult reality that comes with living in the public eye.
Reflecting on such experiences, Boulter remarked: “It’s a side effect of being in the spotlight, but it’s never something you get used to. It can make you feel deeply uncomfortable, especially when you’re simply trying to do your job.”
In direct response to these incidents, Sally Bolton, Chief Executive at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, assured both players and fans that Wimbledon is taking decisive action. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Bolton highlighted the club’s ongoing commitment to maintaining robust security arrangements. She stressed that measures are regularly reviewed and updated in line with evolving threats, relying on ongoing intelligence gathering and coordination with law enforcement and specialist security services throughout the year.
“Our number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of all our players,” Bolton stated. “We recognise the anxiety recent events have caused, but are confident that our long-established procedures, developed in close consultation with authorities and the tours, will provide the appropriate level of assurance. The work is constant and extends well beyond the tournament dates themselves.”
When pressed for further details, Bolton declined to discuss individual cases, instead reiterating Wimbledon’s broader approach, which tailors security based on an up-to-date assessment of risk. “Our intelligence-led system ensures we can adjust quickly should the threat landscape change,” she said, underscoring the seriousness with which the matter is being treated.
Raducanu herself reflected candidly on the emotional toll of the Dubai incident in a recent conversation with BBC Sport. “It was a very difficult experience,” she admitted. “It made me feel anxious, especially as I wasn’t fully comfortable in my set-up at the time. It’s something you never want to experience again. Now, when I’m out and about, I’m definitely more cautious.”
Despite these challenges, Raducanu remains focused and positive. “Off the court, I feel settled and supported by good people,” she said, noting that she tries not to dwell on negativity. “I do my best to move forward and brush aside anything that isn’t helpful to my mental health.”
With Wimbledon soon to get underway, organisers are determined that player safety will not be compromised. The measures being put in place are intended to ensure the tournament remains an enjoyable and safe occasion for both competitors and spectators alike. As the world’s oldest tennis tournament, Wimbledon continues to balance tradition with the ever-present need to protect its stars from the unique risks the modern sporting world can bring.