Emma Raducanu Says Her Indian Wells Participation Was In Doubt After Stalker Indicent
News
Emma Raducanu admitted that her participation at the 2025 Indian Wells Open was in doubt after her incident with a stalker.
It seems that Raducanu can't catch a break since winning the 2021 US Open. She struggled with her form, then with injuries, and she often struggles with doubters and negative comments.
On top of all of those struggles, recently, the British player also struggled with things she shouldn't have to struggle with. During the 2025 Dubai Championships, she was followed by a stalker.
The situation escalated so much that Raducanu started crying during her second-round match after seeing the person among the fans in the crowd. She lost the match to Karolina Muchova but fought bravely.
Raducanu's plans after that were not certain. The tournament that players had on their calendars was the Indian Wells Open. But the Brit wasn't sure of her participation, and she confirmed that during an interview with Sky Sports ahead of the WTA 1000 event in Indian Wells.
The 22-year-old player said that the tournament in Indian Wells is one of her favorites and that coming to the venue made her instantly feel better.
"I'm very happy to be in Indian Wells. It's my favorite tournament outside of the Slams. Being here, I feel a lot better."
The 2021 US Open winner also confirmed that her participation wasn't certain at all. She was deciding whether to travel to the United States, but she is now happy that she made the decision to play in the Californian desert.
"I wasn't necessarily sure if I was going to come and compete so soon after what happened in Dubai, but I'm glad I made the decision to come here. I'm loving being here, I'm happy on the court.
Raducanu also said that she always enjoyed competing in the United States. That was probably one of the reasons why she was able to play so calmly during her sensational win in New York four years ago.
"I always loved playing in America since junior days, I had this fascination with it. And I remember the first time I saw a palm tree. It was amazing, like I was in heaven."
"Then, obviously, it was pretty epic in New York, and ever since, I've just had an amazing fanbase in America, and I love it here. It's just so easy. Everything is so practical, relaxed, spacious. So I'm just very happy to be here."
Raducanu will play against Moyuka Uchijima in the first round of the 2025 Indian Wells Open. If she wins the match, she will have to take on the third-seeded Coco Gauff in the second round of the tournament.
