Emma Raducanu was harassed by a stalker. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / MATTHEW STOCKMAN

Stalking in tennis: When the stars cry

Online slander and harassment are not new issues in tennis, but they have recently come back into focus.

15 April 2025

From: dpa/det

The popularity of tennis also has drastic downsides for German number one Eva Lys. Hate attacks on the internet and persistent harassment are becoming major issues. "Accordingly, many more people are becoming aware of it, and unfortunately, they then have very, very bad thoughts," the 23-year-old said at the tournament in Stuttgart. These are sensitive topics that need to be discussed openly because, ultimately, there are too few options for taking action against them.

Online slander and harassment are not new issues in tennis, but they have recently come under renewed scrutiny. Two stalking incidents involving former world number one Iga Swiatek and former US Open champion Emma Raducanu – two of the most famous players on the women's tour – caused a stir. Raducanu even hid behind the umpire's chair during a match in Dubai in mid-February for fear of a stalker.

Raducanu talks about fear: “I could hardly breathe”

She "literally couldn't see the ball for all the tears," the 2021 US Open winner later said. "I could barely breathe." Since then, she has been more vigilant and has increased security measures. The man had already followed her to tournaments in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. He has been temporarily suspended from all WTA events, the women's tennis organization announced.

Raducanu was going through a difficult time. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / MATTHEW STOCKMAN

Only a few weeks passed before the topic of stalking surfaced again. The BBC reported that Swiatek, a Polish world number two, was threatened by a man during training in Miami. The management told the British broadcaster that the man was aggressive and taunting. A few hours after the report became public, she suffered a surprise elimination in the Miami quarterfinals. Swiatek will compete again this week in Stuttgart.

Transition from online aggression to the real world

"I wouldn't call it a threat," Swiatek said at the Porsche Grand Prix about the incident in Florida. However, there was a fan who wanted to disrupt her rhythm. The women's tennis organization WTA helped her "react quickly," the Pole said. "And I felt safe." She was also grateful to have her team around her to help her in such situations.

Iga Swiatek was threatened by a man. © AFP / FAYEZ NURELDINE

As the BBC reported, the man had previously sent her abusive messages via social media. "The incident in Miami appears to be a direct transition from verbal online aggression to a real-world threat," BBC management said.

Memories of the assassination attempt on Monica Seles

The Stuttgart WTA tournament, which annually features numerous players from around the world, says it places great importance on security. However, security personnel at the match and practice courts have not been increased due to recent incidents.

"I think there have always been cases like this, and there probably always will be," said the tournament's sporting director, Anke Huber. "I don't think it can be completely prevented." The former tennis player is still deeply moved by the tragedy of the assassination attempt on then-world number one Monica Seles 32 years ago by a fanatical Steffi Graf fan. Since then, much has been done in terms of security on the tennis tour.

The WTA says it is working with tournament organizers, local authorities, and security experts, and encourages players to report any information immediately, regardless of its severity or threat potential.