LONDON — A man previously convicted of stalking British tennis star Emma Raducanu has been blocked from applying for Wimbledon tickets, according to court documents and tournament officials. The individual, identified as 35-year-old Amrit Magar, was issued a five-year restraining order in 2023 after repeatedly attempting to contact Raducanu online and in person.
Stalker's Attempt to Access Wimbledon
Magar, who was convicted last year under the UK's Protection from Harassment Act, recently attempted to register for Wimbledon's public ballot system. Tournament security teams flagged his application due to enhanced screening measures implemented specifically for high-profile players' safety. A Wimbledon spokesperson confirmed: "We work closely with law enforcement and have robust procedures to identify and prevent potential security risks to players and spectators."
The incident highlights growing concerns about athlete safety in tennis. Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has been targeted multiple times since her breakthrough victory:
- Magar sent over 1,000 messages via social media in 2022
- He appeared uninvited at Raducanu's training facilities
- The stalker traveled to three different tournaments attempting to make contact
Legal Actions and Player Protection
Magar's restraining order, issued at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court, specifically prohibits him from:
- Attending any WTA or ATP tournament in the UK
- Contacting Raducanu directly or indirectly
- Coming within 200 meters of the player
Detective Inspector Sarah White of the Metropolitan Police's Public Protection Unit stated: "This case demonstrates our zero-tolerance approach to stalking. We've implemented advanced monitoring systems at major sporting events to enforce restraining orders and protect victims."
Enhanced Security Measures
Wimbledon has introduced several new security protocols this year following consultation with player safety experts:
- Biometric screening for ticket applicants
- AI-powered threat detection systems
- Dedicated player protection officers
- Enhanced background checks for court-side seating
Raducanu's Response
The 21-year-old athlete has spoken previously about the psychological impact of stalking. In a 2023 interview with The Telegraph, she revealed: "It's terrifying when someone crosses that line from being a fan to becoming obsessive. You start questioning every interaction and looking over your shoulder constantly."
Raducanu's management team released a statement acknowledging the latest incident: "We're grateful to the authorities and tournament organizers for their vigilance. Emma remains focused on her tennis while these protective measures ensure she can compete safely."
Broader Implications for Tennis
The incident has sparked discussions about standardizing player protection across tournaments. The WTA recently established a Global Security Task Force, with CEO Steve Simon noting: "Player safety is our top priority. We're working with all Grand Slams to implement consistent security standards and share threat intelligence."
Key statistics highlight the growing challenge:
- 27% increase in reported stalking cases involving tennis players since 2020
- 15 restraining orders issued to protect WTA players in 2023 alone
- £2.3 million allocated by Wimbledon for 2024 security upgrades
- 300+ security personnel dedicated to player protection at this year's tournament
Conclusion
The blocked ticket application demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative security efforts between tennis authorities and law enforcement. As Raducanu prepares to compete at Wimbledon, the tournament's proactive measures set a precedent for athlete protection in professional sports.
Metropolitan Police confirmed Magar faces arrest if he violates the restraining order. Superintendent James Taylor emphasized: "We have specialist officers monitoring high-risk individuals at all major sporting events. Attempts to circumvent protective measures will result in immediate intervention."
The tennis community continues to balance fan access with player safety, implementing increasingly sophisticated systems to prevent harassment while maintaining the sport's tradition of spectator proximity to athletes.