Britain's Emma Raducanu has expressed her gratitude towards Wimbledon for their exceptional handling of a recent security threat. The All England Club successfully identified and blocked a man who had been stalking Raducanu from purchasing tickets for this month's championships. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by athletes, particularly women, in maintaining their safety and privacy.

Raducanu, who shot to fame after her stunning victory at the US Open in 2021, has been a target of stalking in the past. She recounted a distressing episode at the Dubai Tennis Championships in February, where she noticed the same man in the stands, leading to heightened security measures at subsequent tournaments. 'Wimbledon and everyone did an amazing job. I got a notification, the police contacted me and told me everything was OK,' Raducanu shared with BBC Sport.

The tennis star also highlighted the broader issue of online abuse faced by athletes, commending her compatriot Katie Boulter for speaking out against the harassment she endures. 'I'm glad Katie spoke out about it because it is something that we all go through,' Raducanu added. She emphasized the importance of mental health, stating that she avoids reading negative comments to maintain her focus and well-being.

As Raducanu prepares for her match against American Ann Li at Eastbourne, one of the final grass-court events before Wimbledon, she remains confident in the security measures in place. Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, reassured that extensive efforts are made to ensure the safety of all players and spectators at Wimbledon.

This incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust security protocols in sports venues and the collective responsibility to protect athletes from both physical and online threats.