Emma Raducanu Photo: THOMAS KIENZLE
British tennis star Emma Raducanu believes her recent stalking ordeal "could have been dealt with better" and led to a "very emotional" few weeks.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the incident a fortnight ago, she told the BBC she was followed to four tournaments by the same man.
During a recent tournament in Dubai Raducanu became upset when she saw the man in the stands.
He was removed and later given a restraining order by police.
"I think that since that incident I have definitely got increased attention and greater security," Raducanu told the BBC.
"I think all we can do is look at what happened and react to it in a better way, in a more positive way, rather than looking back and blaming the situation.
"It could have been dealt with better, but now it is being dealt with better so for me that's important."
Raducanu said the man had been at tournaments in Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Doha then approached her near her hotel in Dubai, giving her a letter and took a photo which unnerved her.
She apparently reported the incident to her team but the information was not passed on to the WTA or the tournament until the following day leaving security staff with just a few hours to prepare.
"I think they were very emotional weeks, because it had carried on for a few weeks before," said Raducanu.
"It was quite tiring. I took a week break when I got home in England."
Raducanu, who shot to worldwide fame when she won the US Open as an 18-year-old in 2021, told the BBC she is unlikely to invest in private security at tournaments, but added she is taking increased precautions.
"I'm always now very aware and not necessarily doing things on my own any more," she added.
"I'm always with someone, and always being watched I would say."
Raducanu is playing in California at the Indian Wells tournament one of the bigger tournaments out the grand slam events and feels much happier
"Since being here in this environment - which is one of my favourite tournaments - I have felt a lot better," she said.
"The allure of Indian Wells was a big part of me coming. I wasn't sure if I was going to come and compete so soon. It's probably one of my favourite places on the calendar and I am ready to go."
-RNZ
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