Facing the Fear: The Ongoing Risks and Security Challenges for Female Tennis Players

The recent incident involving British tennis star Emma Raducanu at the Dubai Tennis Championships has once again highlighted the ongoing risks faced by female athletes. Raducanu, visibly distressed, had to hide behind the umpire's chair after spotting a man who had exhibited fixated behaviour towards her. This unsettling event underscores the broader issue of safety and security for women in sports.

The 'Extra Risk' Faced by Female Athletes

According to the UK's Office of National Statistics, approximately one in five women experience stalking in their lifetime. This risk is amplified for well-known public personalities, particularly female tennis players who have been subjected to predatory behaviour in recent years. Raducanu herself has been a victim of stalking, with a man given a five-year restraining order in 2022 after he walked 23 miles to her home.

Katie Boulter, another British player, described being followed by individuals both in a car and on foot, while American players Danielle Collins and Sloane Stephens have also spoken about the harassment they've endured. These incidents are not isolated; similar experiences have been reported across various sports, including basketball and rugby.

Recent Incidents and Their Impact

During the Dubai Tennis Championships, Raducanu was approached by a man close to the tournament site, who handed her a letter containing his name and telephone number. Despite enhanced security measures implemented after Raducanu raised her concerns, the man managed to enter the stadium and was seated in the front rows during her match against Karolina Muchova.

"When you know it can get that far, that you feel a person is so obsessed with you, that they'll find a way into your court, it's very, very stressful," said former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli. This incident has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of current security protocols.

The Psychological Impact and Immediate Response

Mhairi Maclennan, a British long-distance runner and co-founder of Kyniska Advocacy, emphasized the psychological and emotional toll such incidents can take on athletes. "The psychological and emotional impact of something like that happening during a competition can completely derail you," she noted. Maclennan advocates for a more supportive approach, suggesting that athletes in such situations should be allowed to leave the court for an emotional welfare assessment.

Enhancing Security Measures

According to the WTA, players are escorted to and from the match court by at least one security officer, with enhanced security provided if a player has been the target of a credible threat. However, the incident in Dubai has revealed gaps in the system. Stephanie Hilborne, chief executive of the Women in Sport charity, described the situation as "deeply, deeply concerning."

"If an athlete has already reported someone, there should be absolutely no chance that very person can turn up in that very circumstance," she said. Hilborne called for more robust security measures to ensure the safety of female athletes.

The Role of Media and Social Expectations

One of the key concerns highlighted by both Women in Sport and Kyniska Advocacy is the overexposure of elite female athletes, often used as marketing tools to push the growth of women's sports. "We need to stop inadvertently overexposing elite female athletes," said Hilborne. She emphasized the importance of promoting the skills and the competitive nature of the sport rather than the personal lives of the athletes.

Moving Forward: A Call for Action

To address these issues, it is imperative to implement stricter anti-misogyny policies and ensure that social media accounts spreading misogynistic messages are deactivated. Hilborne also called for the establishment of an independent sporting regulator to handle reports of misogyny and to ensure accountability.

"When you get a brilliant tennis player like Emma who you want to celebrate, you don't want to deal with these negative aspects - you want to celebrate their play and the story of the sport," said Hilborne. "But when this does happen, we're reminded there has not been enough action. It is unacceptable."

As the tennis community continues to grapple with these challenges, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of female athletes, ensuring that they can compete and excel in a secure environment.