Emma Raducanu Incident Highlights Persistent Threats Faced by Women in Tennis

The distressing experience of the 22-year-old Grand Slam champion underscores ongoing issues of harassment and stalking in the sport.

Emma Raducanu sought safety behind an umpire's chair during a match after feeling threatened by a man in the crowd who had previously approached her in public.
Stalking and harassment of female tennis players are alarmingly common, with incidents involving Katie Boulter, Danielle Collins, and Coco Gauff also being reported.
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has implemented safeguarding measures, including AI-powered monitoring and mental health support, but challenges persist in fully addressing these threats.
Social media abuse, often from gamblers, compounds the harassment faced by female players, with many receiving violent or demeaning messages regularly.
Experts and advocates argue that systemic sexism within sports culture contributes to the lack of accountability and prioritization of athlete safety, leaving women disproportionately vulnerable.