Emma Raducanu has been offered up to five additional security guards by the organisers of the Indian Wells Open as they attempt to persuade her to participate in their prestigious tournament.
Last week, during her second-round match in Dubai, Raducanu was visibly shaken and brought to tears when she spotted a man in the crowd. Reports revealed that this individual had been exhibiting signs of “fixated behaviour” and had approached her earlier that week. He was later detained by the police in the United Arab Emirates and received a restraining order.
Now, at 22 years old, Raducanu is scheduled to compete in the WTA 1000 tournament at Indian Wells, which starts a week from Wednesday. This Californian event is highly significant, ranking just behind the Grand Slams, and it seems the Brit is eager to participate and move past the distressing experience.
To ensure her safety, event organisers are making special arrangements, hoping to have one of the top draws in women’s tennis on board. According to The Times, Bob Campbell, the WTA Tour’s vice-president of security, is overseeing the preparations. He has a proven track record of protecting some of the most at-risk individuals in the world.
