LONDON — Tennis legend Andy Murray once endured a terrifying stalking ordeal when a delusional fan followed him across Europe, broke into his hotel room, and even watched him sleep, according to revelations from court documents and interviews. The incident, which occurred in 2014, involved a female hotel worker who became obsessed with the two-time Wimbledon champion, leading to a restraining order and a chilling confrontation in his private space.
The Stalking Begins
The stalker, identified as 34-year-old Emily Goodwin, worked at a luxury hotel in London where Murray stayed during a tournament. Goodwin became fixated on the Scottish star, later admitting in court that she believed they were in a relationship—despite never having spoken to him. "She was convinced they had a spiritual connection," a police officer testified during the hearing.
Goodwin’s obsession escalated quickly. After Murray checked out, she:
- Tracked his tournament schedule across Europe
- Booked rooms in the same hotels using fake names
- Left handwritten letters and gifts outside his door
The Nightmare Break-In
The situation reached its peak during the 2014 Italian Open in Rome. Murray awoke in the middle of the night to find Goodwin standing over his bed, staring at him. "It was one of the most frightening moments of my life," Murray later told police. Security footage showed Goodwin had used a stolen key card to enter his room.
Immediate Aftermath
Hotel security detained Goodwin, and local authorities arrested her. Police discovered she had been staying at the same hotel for three nights, often lurking near Murray’s suite. In her bag, they found:
- Photos of Murray printed from the internet
- A journal detailing her "relationship" with him
- A list of his upcoming tournaments
Legal Action and Restraining Order
Murray’s legal team swiftly obtained a restraining order in the UK, barring Goodwin from contacting him or attending any of his matches. In court, Goodwin claimed, "Andy and I are meant to be together. He just doesn’t realize it yet." She was diagnosed with erotomania, a delusional disorder where a person believes someone of higher status is in love with them.
The case highlighted the dangers athletes face from obsessive fans. Murray’s mother, Judy Murray, later spoke out about the incident: "It’s terrifying to think what could have happened. Andy was lucky it didn’t turn violent."
Impact on Murray’s Career
The stalking incident affected Murray’s performance temporarily. He withdrew from the Italian Open shortly after the break-in, citing "personal reasons." In his autobiography, he wrote, "For months after, I’d double-check my hotel door locks and ask security to patrol my floor. It made me paranoid."
The ATP and other tennis organizations reviewed security protocols for players following the incident. Changes included:
- Stricter access controls at player hotels
- 24/7 security details for top-ranked athletes
- Psychological support for players dealing with harassment
Where Is the Stalker Now?
Goodwin was ordered to undergo psychiatric treatment and banned from contacting Murray indefinitely. As of 2023, she has not violated the restraining order. Murray has since moved on but remains cautious. "You can’t take safety for granted, even in a five-star hotel," he remarked in a 2022 interview.
Conclusion
Andy Murray’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by public figures. While fans are the lifeblood of sports, the line between admiration and obsession can sometimes blur dangerously. Thanks to swift legal action and improved security measures, players are better protected today—but as Murray’s experience shows, vigilance is always necessary.