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KATIE BOULTER has revealed that she faced threats from a stalker during a prestigious warm-up event for Wimbledon.
The British No.1 tennis player participated in the Nottingham Open, a tournament she won in both 2023 and 2024, which takes place a few weeks before the Championships each summer.
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The Leicester-born player, who is in a relationship with Australian tennis player Alex de Minaur, reported receiving threatening messages online from an unidentified man who asserted he would “hurt” her if she left the East Midlands venue.
In an interview addressing her encounters with stalking and harassment as a high-profile athlete, Boulter told the Guardian: “This is a reality for many people.”
“It’s something that you start to accept when you’re somewhat in the public eye. Naturally, it’s uncomfortable.
“On one specific occasion in Nottingham, I got a social media message saying: ‘I’m outside. I’m going to hurt you if you come out.’
“I immediately reported this to the WTA, and they were able to locate the individual, who was indeed on site.
“Such incidents happen often. Thankfully, we are provided with excellent security, which increases your feeling of safety.
“The WTA does a remarkable job in supporting us during these instances.
“It has become somewhat normalized these days. The world can feel quite unsettling at times.”
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At age 28, Boulter acknowledged that there have been moments when “people have shadowed me.”
She recounted: “I went to pick up Alex from Queens and encountered someone following me in their vehicle.
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“We proceeded to Sloane Square, exited, strolled around the shops, and the same car continued to follow me home.
“I was with Alex, so it felt safe, but it was certainly not a comforting feeling.”
The world No.24 is set to kick off her 2025 season at the United Cup later this month in Sydney.
Britain will compete in group matches against Argentina and Australia, led by her boyfriend De Minaur.
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