KATIE BOULTER has revealed she was threatened by a stalker during a prestigious Wimbledon warm-up event.
The British No1 tennis star was competing at the Nottingham Open, which she won in 2023 and 2024, which takes place a few weeks before the Championships every summer.
The Leicester ace – who goes out with Australian pro Alex de Minaur – was contacted online by a mysterious man who said he would “hurt” her if she left the East Midlands venue.
In a chat about her experiences of stalking and harassment as a leading sportswoman, Boulter told the Guardian: “It happens to all of us.
“It’s part of life when you’re in the public eye a little bit. Obviously you don’t feel comfortable.
“One time in Nottingham, I had someone messaging me on social media saying, ‘I’m outside. I’m going to hurt you if you come outside’.
“Obviously I alerted the WTA, and they found the guy, who was actually on site.
“Things like this happen all the time. Obviously we are very well protected, which makes you feel safe.
“The WTA does a great job of being there for you with that.
“It’s kind of normal nowadays. It’s a weird world sometimes.”
Boulter, 28, admitted there have been other times when “people have followed me”.
She added: “I actually went to go and pick up Alex from Queens, and I had someone follow me in the car.
“We went to Sloane Square, got out, went for a walk around the shops and stuff and the same car was following me home.
“I was with Alex, so it was absolutely fine, but yeah, it wasn’t the best feeling.”
The world No24 kick-starts her 2025 season at the United Cup later this month in Sydney.
Britain face group matches against Argentina and Australia, who are led by her boyfriend De Minau.
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