British tennis star Emma Raducanu was recently left shaken after encountering an individual exhibiting “fixated behavior” at the Dubai Championships. The distressing incident forced the 22-year-old off the court in tears, highlighting the often-overlooked emotional toll of stalking on victims.
Stalking is a complex and distressing issue, driven by various motivations ranging from obsession and rejection to mental illness and control. Experts explain that some stalkers, particularly those with conditions like erotomania, falsely believe their victims reciprocate their feelings, making their behavior even more unsettling.
In many cases, stalkers fail to recognize the fear and distress they cause, viewing their actions as romantic pursuit or attempts at reconciliation. However, for victims like Raducanu, such behavior can be deeply traumatic. Raising awareness about stalking’s psychological roots is crucial in addressing and preventing such incidents.
