Emma Raducanu has deleted her Instagram account just weeks after her horrifying stalker torment.
The tennis star was subjected to weeks of hell after falling victim to a stalking ordeal from a fan during last month’s Dubai Open.
GettyEmma Raducanu has opted to take a break from social media[/caption]
Raducanu was reduced to tears after spotting the stalker early on in her round of 32 match against Karolina Muchova, with the star’s coach later revealing the stalker had followed her for 3,600 miles.
The 2021 US open champion was quick to point out the man in question who had approached her the day before the match. He was subsequently escorted away from the event and arrested by local police.
Raducanu later dropped charges but the man, who was slapped with a ban from all future WTA events, signed a restraining order agreeing to steer clear of the 22-year-old.
“I was obviously very distraught,” Raducanu told reporters. “I saw him in the first game of the match and I was like, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to finish’. I literally couldn’t see the ball through tears. I could barely breathe. I was like, ‘I need to just take a breather here’.
“It was a very emotional time,” she added. “After the match I did break down in tears, but not necessarily because I lost.
“I’m always now very aware and not necessarily doing things on my own any more. I’m always with someone and always being watched.”
The world No.61 made her return to action last week at the Indian Wells Masters in California, bravely claiming she did not want to take extended time away from tennis.
For peace of mind, Raducanu travelled to Indian Wells accompanied by extra security after revealing her stalking ordeal had lasted three months.
She was unable to put her off-court troubles behind her against Japanese star Moyuka Uchijima, crashing out 6-3, 6-2 in the first round.
After a tumultuous start to 2025, Raducanu has taken the decision to deactivate her Instagram page.
The star has a whopping three million followers on her page but fans will no longer be able to follow her.
It is unknown as to whether the decision to close the account was an effect of her recent trauma or merely as a break from the social media platform.
A few weeks ago, she changed the bio on her Instagram page to say: “Ad astra per aspera.”
The Latin quote translates to “to the stars through hardships”.
Next on the agenda for Raducanu is the WTA Miami Open which kicks off on March 18.
Raducanu missed last year’s edition through injury but is hopeful of taking part in next week’s first round matches.
