1 week agoNew York StateComments Off on ‘I don’t want to be in that situation again’ – Emma Raducanu ‘wary’ of going out after stalker left her in tears
EMMA RADUCANU has been “wary” when she goes out since her Dubai stalker hell.
The British star, 22, was left in tears on court when an obsessed man appeared at her match-up with Karolina Muchova in Dubai.
GettyEmma Raducanu was all smiles as she spoke ahead of the HSBC Championships[/caption]
GettyRaducanu, 22, practised at the Queen’s Club yesterday[/caption]
The man, who is said to have followed Raducanu 3,600 miles across Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai, was subsequently given a restraining order.
Raducanu is now set to play on home soil for the first time since her stalker ordeal, as she competes in the HSBC Championships at Queen’s this week.
Reflecting on what she went through in Dubai, the former US Open champion told the BBC: “I’ve definitely noticed a difference in how people are watching my back when I’m on the site.
“I’m obviously wary when I go out. I try not to be careless about it because you only realise how much of a problem it is when you’re in that situation and I don’t necessarily want to be in that situation again.
“But off the court right now, I feel good. I feel pretty settled. I feel like I have good people around me and anything that was kind of negative I’m just like trying to brush it off as much as I can.”
Raducanu is set to be in action this week as women’s tennis returns to West London’s historic Queen’s Club for the first time since 1973.
The world No37 will take on qualifier Cristina Bucsa in round one on Tuesday.
While she is also set to make a rare foray into doubles, pairing up with GB team-mate Katie Boulter.
Sky SportsRaducanu was left in tears by a stalker ordeal in Dubai[/caption]
The British star hid behind the umpire’s chair during the ordeal
Raducanu has been boosted by the return of former coach Nick Cavaday.
The pair temporarily stopped working together earlier this year as Cavaday battled a health issue.
Following a brief stint with Vlado Platenik, Raducanu reunited with another former coach, Mark Petchey.
Ahead of Queen’s, Raducanu confirmed that she will be working with both Cavaday and Petchey moving forward.
She said: “I’m happy to see Nick healthy.
“It’s been a long time since we were last on court together in Australia. Nick was around, and it was nice to just have a few days with him and they’ll both be helping me.
“They both have banks of experience and can complement each other really well. I trust them both and that is fundamental.”
Raducanu, who was beaten in round two of Roland Garros by Iga Swiatek, has played well on the grass in the past – but is not expecting much of herself this time around due to a recent injury scare.
‘MY EXPECTATIONS, TRUTHFULLY, ARE PRETTY LOW’
The British No2 said: “Of course you want to win the tournament, especially when it’s at home.
“But my expectations, truthfully, are pretty low.
“I had two days off after I finished in Paris and then got straight back on the court.
“But I had a small interruption with a back spasm again, so that was a bit annoying and hindered my grass preparation.
“It kept me off court for a few days although the last few days I’ve managed to get on the grass and begin to try and feel my feet.
“So I don’t know how it will hold up. I can’t really predict the future or how it’s going to be.”
Following Queen’s, Raducanu is next scheduled to play in Eastbourne, with the event getting underway on June 23.
1 week agoNew York StateComments Off on My money rule to avoid arguments with my housemates and girlfriend – it’s fair but not everyone will agree
THERE’S nothing more British than the silence at the end of a meal in a restaurant as you wait for someone to say how you’ll split the bill.
With my mates and girlfriend there’s an unwritten rule that we always split the bill equally based on how many of us there are.
Consumer Reporter Sam Walker’s easy trick avoids money-based arguments
Of course, this can get tricky if someone hasn’t had booze or a much cheaper meal, as it can feel like they’ve got a raw deal.
On the other hand, there’s always one in every friendship group who orders an extra side and pudding.
I can’t help but feel a bit resentful that I’m funding their extra indulgence.
So I wasn’t surprised to hear that the number one issue that couples row about is money, according to Royal London.
It gets even more complicated when you go on holiday.
I’ve often found myself in scenarios with mates where people have taken umbrage at having to split the cost of a night out the day after.
Other times people have kicked up a fuss about splitting the cost of off the cuff activities.
The bill splitting app I swear by
A few years ago on a weekend away with University mates where we play sport, including football, cricket and rounders, one of my friends suggested we use Splitwise.
We were trying to figure out how to share the cost of all the food and drink we’d bought when one friend recommended using the app.
It’s free to download off the Apple App Store or Google Play and couldn’t be easier to navigate.
There’s also a Pro version which costs £3.99 a month or £39.99 a year, letting you add an unlimited number of expenses and scan and add receipts to a running your running total.
Once downloaded, you create a new group (of friends, family or between you and a partner) and can allocate a “type” to that group.
For example, you can make it a “trip”, “home” or “couple”-based group.
Once you’ve done this, you add any expenses to the group and can decide how it’s split between the members.
The options are:
you paid, split equally
you are owed the full amount
someone else paid, split equally
someone else paid and is owed the full amount
Once you’ve added any expenses, they are added to a grand total which tells you whether you owe money, or are owed it.
How it has made my life easier
Splitwise has easily become one of my most-used apps, especially since moving in with my partner a year ago.
We use it to split the cost of the weekly food shop, monthly utility bills and takeaways.
You might ask “why would you need a bill-splitting app” for these basic expenses, but in reality it’s a lifesaver.
Her job involves shift work and I work occasional weekends meaning we can sometimes go days without having a proper conversation.
So being able to quickly add a little Tesco Express basket of food or a holiday car rental cost to the app in a matter of seconds, and know how much each person owes, makes for a much more efficient way of tracking our shared expenses.
Using the app for trips abroad with friends has been incredibly helpful as well, especially with larger groups.
I’ve used it on stag dos where costs can quickly add up and various members of the group have different budgets and need to track how much they’ve spent.
Putting everything through the app can avoid awkward conversations where you ask for a few quid back.
It might seem stingy that I’m quibbling with my girlfriend and mates over a couple of quid – but it can quickly add up and it really helps us all feel like things are fair.
Other apps you could use
Unsurprisingly, Splitwise is not the only bill-splitting app out there.
There is also Settle Up which also comes in a basic free version and works similarly to Splitwise.
You can also pay £3.99 a month for Premium which comes with no ads, charts and lets you scan receipts.
The app comes with a 4.8* rating on the Apple App Store, compared with 3.8* for Splitwise.
Splid is another option which comes with no ads even in the free version.
You can also choose to add expenses in 150 currencies while on the Apple App Store reviews show it with a 4.9* rating.
Then there’s acasa, which unlike Splid, Settle Up and Splitwise, lets you pay bills like council tax directly through the app.
It’s free to download and comes with a 4.5* customer rating on the Apple App Store.
How to avoid finance-based tension in relationships
WE spoke to Vicky Reynal, financial psychotherapist, who shared her tips for avoiding arguments over money:
Don’t assume that everyone has the same money values
People have different views when it comes to money: what’s frugal or excessive, what’s too risky vs. responsible, what’s reasonable or petty.
We can’t assume that others will see what’s right or fair the same way we’ll see it come up all the time because we all have different views on what money is for and how it should be used.
When conflict comes up, be curious not attacking
When couples or close friends clash over money, the most powerful thing they can do is create a safe space for honest conversations – free from blame.
Instead of trying to convince the other that they are wrong and you are right, try to be curious about why they might be seeing things their way and share how you feel about it.
It can be helpful – particularly when couples have very different ways of handling money – to ask: “What are the downsides of my approach to money?” and “What are the upsides of theirs?”
As an example, your caution might protect your future, but your partner’s spontaneity might help you live more fully in the present.
Once you begin appreciating each other’s perspectives, it becomes easier to blend approaches and make collaborative financial decisions.
Never rely on assumptions – be crystal clear in your financial agreements
Common sources of conflict I see involve informal financial arrangements among loved ones: “I thought it was a gift—now they’re asking for it back.” “I thought we were splitting the cost evenly”.
The real issue usually lies in the lack of clarity from the start. People often avoid being specific because they don’t want to make things “weird” with someone they care about—but it’s precisely because you care that it’s essential to set clear, unambiguous expectations.
Use financial tools and apps thoughtfully
Apps like Splitwise or Monzo’s shared tabs can be great tools for transparency but it’s best when they are introduced early and used consistently.
If you bring them in after tension has built, they can sometimes feel accusatory. Frame their use as a shared effort to be fair, not to keep score or place blame.
If conflict persists, look at the bigger picture
What I mean by this is that sometimes money conflict is not about money at all. Sometimes a friend making a big deal about £7 you owe them could actually be feeling owed a lot more (has she felt you have been a neglecting friend lately?).
A partner who is uncomfortable because you spent “too much” on a gift might be feeling they don’t have enough to give you emotionally in the relationship.
The point is: ask yourself whether there is a different message that you or the other are trying to convey through this financial conflict.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
ITVAntonia Laites is a new Love Island star[/caption]
LinkedInAntonia will be known as Toni in the villa[/caption]
LinkedInShe works at the swanky Fontainebleau resort[/caption]
A source told The Sun: “BeingLove Island’sfirst bombshell of the series is a big deal and is always reserved for the sexiest cast members.
“In the past it’s been the likes of Davide, Uma and even Ekin-Su on All Stars.
“Toni landed as part of a huge first day and everyone is very excited.”
Just hours after the The Sun revealed the bombshell’s identity, ITV confirmed the news.
Agonising pain
Ahead of entering the villa, Toni shared that she is battling an illness that leaves her in agonising pain.
She said: “I have ulcerative colitis. I had to go to hospital the same week as my senior prom.
“They told me, ‘You can’t go’ and then they said, ‘Surprise, you’re going to prom!’
“Nothing that exciting happens in Connecticut, so it was a big deal and a few articles were written about me.”
She added: “What I hope people see from me being on Love Island is that not all illnesses are visible.
“It doesn’t have to hold you back, you can travel etc… I live my life day-to-day like anyone else.”
In an interview with ITV, Toni said she is looking for “someone that can make me laugh”.
She added: “I’m super outgoing. And someone that’s quite active. Maybe one day we could start our own family together.”
I think all Americans love a good accent. British men are just more polite, with better manners
Antonia LaitesITV
When asked why she wants to date a British guy, Toni replied: “I’ve lived in three different states and I’m still single. It’s time to try something new!
“I have some British friends and they’re pretty charming. I think all Americans love a good accent.
“British men are just more polite, with better manners.”
When is Antonia Laites Joining Love Island 2025?
Toni is one of the contestants on the show’s 12th season, which premiers at 9pm on Monday, June 9, 2025.
Rather than being one of the initial batch of Islanders who enter the villa at the very start of the series, Toni will join the cast as the Love Island 2025‘s first bombshell.
Instagram/@connecticutchildrensWhen she was 17, doctors looked after Toni to make sure she got to prom[/caption]
But she won’t have to wait long — she will strut into the villa on the very first day to shake up the action from the off.
1 week agoNew York StateComments Off on ‘It won’t change anything’ – Cristiano Ronaldo sends clear message over his future after Nations League triumph
CRISTIANO RONALDO has opened up on his future after Portugal’s Nations League triumph.
GettyCristiano Ronaldo helped Portugal win the Nations League on Sunday night[/caption]
GettyThe 40-year-old was on target in a dramatic 2-2 draw[/caption]
GettyRonaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr ends on June 30 – and he is yet to pen a new deal[/caption]
Ronaldo levelled the scores at 2-2 in the second half at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
The former Manchester United star was spotted in tears after Portugal went five for five in the shootout, retaining the trophy.
An emotional Ronaldo said: “The tears were of joy.
“When you win something for Portugal, it’s always special, but there’s nothing like winning for the national team, in my opinion.
“This generation deserved it and we were going to have a bit of luck and merit and we were going to win the final.
“We knew it was going to be difficult but we deserved it and this gives us confidence and allows us to go to the World Cup with more confidence.”
Ronaldo’s contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr expires at the end of this month.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner appeared to suggest his time with the club was at an end with a cryptic social media post.
