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Tennis Stars Targeted: A History of Stalking in Professional Tennis

The Dark Side of Tennis Fame: A History of Stalking Cases Involving Professional Players

In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, where athletes command global attention and massive followings, a sinister undercurrent has long plagued the sport: stalking. This phenomenon, where obsessed individuals fixate on players, often crossing into dangerous territory, has affected some of the game's biggest stars over decades. From early incidents in the 1980s to more recent high-profile cases, these episodes highlight the vulnerabilities faced by tennis professionals, who must navigate intense public scrutiny while on tour. The issue gained renewed attention following several alarming events in the 2020s, prompting discussions about player safety, mental health, and the role of governing bodies like the ATP and WTA in addressing such threats.

One of the earliest and most infamous cases dates back to 1983, involving tennis legend Chris Evert. At the height of her career, Evert was targeted by a man named John Feeney, who developed an unhealthy obsession with her. Feeney, a self-proclaimed fan, began sending her disturbing letters and showing up uninvited at tournaments. His fixation escalated to the point where he broke into her hotel room during a event, leading to his arrest. Evert later spoke publicly about the fear and anxiety it caused, emphasizing how such intrusions disrupted her focus and personal life. This case set a precedent, illustrating how the accessibility of tennis players—often staying in public hotels and appearing at open venues—makes them prime targets for stalkers.

The 1990s and early 2000s saw a surge in similar incidents, coinciding with the sport's growing popularity and the rise of media coverage. Martina Hingis, the Swiss prodigy who dominated women's tennis as a teenager, endured a harrowing ordeal in 2000. A man named Dubravko Rajcevic, who claimed to be in love with her, stalked Hingis across multiple continents. He attended her matches, sent obsessive messages, and even confronted her at tournaments. Rajcevic's behavior culminated in a conviction for stalking, but not before Hingis had to obtain restraining orders and heighten her personal security. Hingis reflected on the experience in interviews, noting how it forced her to live in constant vigilance, affecting her performance and contributing to her temporary retirement from the sport.

Men's tennis has not been immune. In 2003, Lleyton Hewitt, the fiery Australian known for his on-court intensity, faced a stalker who bombarded him with threats and followed him to events. The individual, motivated by a delusional belief in a personal connection, was eventually apprehended after attempting to access Hewitt's private accommodations. Hewitt's case underscored a gender-neutral aspect of the problem; while female players often report higher incidences due to societal dynamics, male athletes like Hewitt and later stars have also been victimized. Another notable example is Rafael Nadal, who in 2010 dealt with a fan who repeatedly tried to approach him during practice sessions and matches, leading to enhanced security protocols at major tournaments.

The advent of social media in the 2010s amplified these risks, providing stalkers with new tools to track and harass players. Serena Williams, arguably the greatest female player of all time, encountered a stalker in 2011. A man named Patenema Ouedraogo was arrested after being found lurking near Williams' home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He had a history of following her to tournaments and making unwanted advances. Williams, who has been open about her experiences, highlighted in a documentary how such threats compounded the pressures of her career, especially as a Black woman in a predominantly white sport. Her sister Venus also faced similar issues, with fans crossing boundaries at events.

More recent years have brought a wave of cases that reflect evolving challenges. In 2022, Polish star Iga Swiatek revealed she had been dealing with online harassment that escalated to real-world stalking attempts. Fans and detractors alike used social platforms to track her movements, sending chilling messages that prompted her to speak out about the mental toll. Swiatek's advocacy led to calls for better digital protections from the WTA. Similarly, in 2023, Alexander Zverev, the German powerhouse, reported a stalker who followed him across Europe, attending press conferences and hotels. Though Zverev has faced his own controversies, this incident spotlighted the need for unified responses from tennis authorities.

One of the most tragic and violent episodes occurred in 2016, when Petra Kvitova, the Czech two-time Wimbledon champion, was attacked in her home by an intruder wielding a knife. While not purely a stalking case, the assailant had targeted her specifically, slashing her hand and causing injuries that sidelined her for months. Kvitova's resilience in returning to top form became a symbol of overcoming adversity, but it also raised alarms about home security for players who often live in the public eye.

These incidents have profound impacts beyond the immediate fear. Players report heightened anxiety, disrupted training regimens, and even retirements influenced by safety concerns. Monica Seles' 1993 on-court stabbing by a deranged fan of Steffi Graf—though more an act of obsession than traditional stalking—remains a watershed moment, leading to improved court security worldwide. The psychological effects are significant; many players, like Hingis and Williams, have sought therapy to cope with paranoia and trust issues.

In response, tennis organizations have stepped up efforts. The ATP and WTA have implemented player protection programs, including dedicated security teams at tournaments, anonymous reporting hotlines, and partnerships with law enforcement. Post-2010, social media monitoring has become standard, with algorithms flagging threatening content. However, critics argue these measures are reactive rather than preventive. Experts like sports psychologists point out that the sport's global nomadism—players traveling to dozens of cities annually—exacerbates vulnerabilities. Recommendations include mandatory security training for athletes and better coordination with local police in host countries.

Looking ahead, as tennis continues to grow with stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff drawing massive audiences, the stalking issue demands ongoing attention. Education campaigns aimed at fans, emphasizing boundaries, could help mitigate risks. Players themselves are increasingly vocal, using platforms to share stories and advocate for change. Ultimately, while tennis celebrates athletic prowess and glamour, these stalking cases reveal a darker reality, reminding us that fame comes at a steep personal cost. The sport's leaders must prioritize safety to ensure that players can focus on the game without looking over their shoulders. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6456273/2025/08/14/tennis-stalking-cases-players-history/ ]