LONDON — British tennis star Emma Raducanu has opened up about the challenges she faces off the court, revealing she feels "wary" when she goes out due to past experiences with social media abuse and being stalked. The 2021 US Open champion admitted it has been "difficult" to move on from these incidents.
Raducanu, who rose to fame after her historic Grand Slam victory as a qualifier, has faced intense scrutiny and unwanted attention since her breakthrough. In a candid interview, she shared how these experiences have impacted her mental well-being and daily life.
The Toll of Social Media Abuse
Raducanu has been vocal about the negative effects of online harassment, which she says has made her more cautious in public. "I don’t feel as free as I used to," she admitted. "There’s always this underlying wariness now."
The 21-year-old explained how social media abuse has affected her confidence, particularly after periods of injury and inconsistent form. She described instances where:
- Critics questioned her commitment to tennis after multiple coaching changes
- Trolls targeted her for brand endorsements and off-court appearances
- False rumors about her personal life circulated online
Stalking Incidents and Safety Concerns
Raducanu also disclosed that she has dealt with stalking, which has heightened her anxiety. "It’s scary when someone crosses the line from being a fan to making you feel unsafe," she said.
The tennis star recalled an incident where an individual repeatedly showed up at her training sessions and attempted to contact her privately. "You start questioning who you can trust," she shared. "It changes how you live."
The Impact on Her Career
Raducanu acknowledged that these challenges have sometimes affected her performance. "It’s hard to focus when you’re dealing with things outside of tennis," she said, adding that she has worked with psychologists to manage the stress.
Despite the difficulties, she remains determined to succeed. "I love the sport, and I won’t let these experiences take that away from me," she emphasized.
Calls for Greater Protection
Raducanu has joined other athletes in advocating for better safeguards against online abuse and stalking. She praised the WTA’s mental health programs but believes more can be done to protect players’ privacy.
Key changes she supports include:
- Stricter social media policies to combat harassment
- Increased security for players at tournaments
- Legal consequences for stalkers
Moving Forward
Raducanu is now focusing on rebuilding her career after injury setbacks. She remains hopeful that with time, she can regain her sense of freedom. "I’m learning to set boundaries and prioritize my well-being," she said.
She also expressed gratitude for her supporters, who have helped her through tough times. "The positive messages mean everything when you’re feeling low," she shared.
As she prepares for upcoming tournaments, Raducanu hopes her openness will encourage others to speak up about similar struggles. "No one should have to live in fear," she concluded. "We need to keep pushing for change."