EMMA RADUCANU is set to be offered up to five extra security guards should she return to action next week.
The British tennis star, 22, was targeted by a “fixated man” during her second round match in Dubai last week.
YouTubeEmma Raducanu was involved in a worrying incident last week[/caption]
GettyRaducanu, 22, could be back in action next week[/caption]
Her childhood coach Roman Kelecic went on to claim that the individual had stalked her across four countries in recent weeks.
The man was detained by police after being ejected from Raducanu’s match and subsequently handed a restraining order.
Since leaving Dubai, Raducanu has been back in the UK.
She is expected to jet out to the United States to participate in the Indian Wells Masters 1000 event, often unofficially considered the “fifth Grand Slam”.
Should she decide to play in the California desert, extra security measures are expected to be taken in the wake of her ordeal last week.
According to The Times, WTA chiefs would likely offer Raducanu as many as five security guards at the event.
She could also be accompanied off site by members of the security detail, having been approached in a restaurant by her stalker last week.
Safety measures at Indian Wells will be managed by WTA vice-president of security Bob Campbell.
The former secret service agent of 20 years is working to ensure that Raducanu feels comfortable enough to travel and play Indian Wells.
SunSport understands that the former U.S. Open champion is keen to put the incident behind her and get back on court as soon as possible.
Raducanu has previously turned down opportunities to hire her own personal security to accompany her on tour.
But she and her management company IMG, who also represented Maria Sharapova during her career, could change that stance moving forward.
Indian Wells is one of the most lucrative events on the WTA Tour, with the winner taking home £952,000 in prize money.
A first round exit still pockets stars £20k.
Since returning to the UK, Raducanu has changed her Instagram bio to “ad astra per aspera” – Latin for “to the stars through hardships”.
She also released a statement in the wake of her ordeal, which read: “Thank you for the messages of support.
“Difficult experience yesterday but I’ll be okay and proud of how I came back and competed despite what happened at the start of the match.
“Thank you to Karolina for being a great sport and best of luck to her for the rest of the tournament.”
Following Indian Wells, Raducanu is next scheduled to be in action in Miami later in March.
Her attention will then turn towards the clay court season and the build-up to the French Open.
GettyRaducanu had ended a four-match losing streak in Dubai[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
