Emma Raducanu‘s scary stalker saga during the Middle Eastern swing has led to a former U.S. Secret Service agent offering her additional security at the 2025 Indian Wells Open.
Raducanu stopped playing and hid behind the umpire’s chair during her match against Karolina Muchova at the 2025 Dubai Championships after noticing a man who had been following her in an obsessed way watching in the stands.
Roman Kelecic, Raducanu’s childhood coach, who worked with her in the Middle East since she is currently without a permanent coach, revealed that the stalker had also appeared at the Briton’s previous few tournaments.
Being the victim of stalking under any circumstances is terrible, but having the same person appear at multiple tournaments adds an additional layer of seriousness and makes Raducanu’s reaction during the match in Dubai even more understandable.
The Times reported that Bob Campbell, who oversees the security arrangements at the Indian Wells Open and was a 20-year U.S. Secret Service agent, is taking steps to protect Raducanu.
If Raducanu competes at the WTA 1000 tournament in Indian Wells, she will be offered up to five security guards if it is deemed necessary to keep her safe from any stalkers or other potential threats.
The 22-year-old could have security guards on-site and off-site if she chooses. Raducanu can also ask for private security from her management company, IMG, in addition to having protection provided directly from the Indian Wells Open.
Receiving those offers of protection might have led to mixed feelings from Raducanu. On the one hand, it will drastically reduce the chances of her being stalked or facing any other kind of uncomfortable situation.
However, always needing that many security guards might be somewhat uncomfortable. Fans may not understand how challenging it must be for players to be unable to walk freely because of their status.
Raducanu is on the Indian Wells Open entry list. She will have an opportunity to kickstart her season after a challenging last few tournaments, undoubtedly not helped by the creep who was stalking her.
After an impressive run to the third round of the 2025 Australian Open, which included a victory against the recent 2025 Qatar Open champion Amanda Anisimova, Raducanu went on a four-match losing streak.
That streak was broken by a win against Maria Sakkari in Dubai before Muchova defeated Raducanu in two close sets. Raducanu did very well to push Muchova hard after the distressing incident she had with the stalker.
Hopefully, Raducanu can compete in Indian Wells without any concerns. The combined Masters 1000 event is one of the most significant tournaments on the calendar, and some consider it the biggest outside the four Grand Slams.
Iga Swiatek will defend her title in California. Her new website, which lists the four-time French Open champion’s favorite movies, books, and TV shows, recently gave fans a better insight into her life off the court.
The Indian Wells Open is also a significant tournament for Coco Gauff, who lost her third consecutive match in Dubai.
