Former British tennis star haunted by stalker who first targeted her sister

Naomi Broady, the former British tennis pro and BBC pundit, has revealed the terrifying ordeal she endured at the hands of an obsessed stalker who, alarmingly, first targeted her sister. The harassment campaign, which stretched from January to December 2023, saw 35-year-old Naomi bombarded with an unrelenting stream of Facebook messages, gifts, cards, and even paintings.

Prosecutors described the behaviour as a "deeply disturbing harassment campaign" that caused Naomi “serious harm and distress.". David Richardson, 39, from Stockport, appeared before Manchester magistrates’ court last month. He admitted to stalking Naomi’s sister, Emma Broady, 37, for over three years and harassing Naomi for a full year.

Court documents reveal a shocking pattern: Richardson sent "multiple unwanted images and messages" to Naomi, alongside repeated gifts. The campaign escalated during holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Christmas, when he sent her flowers and a Selfridges voucher. Astonishingly, Richardson claimed Naomi had thanked him, saying it "really cheered her up.".

Richardson had a prior connection to the family, he had gone to school with Emma. But after she rebuffed his advances, he turned his attention to Naomi. Speaking to reporters at his home, Richardson admitted: "I wanted to try to win her over. I wanted to ask her out… I was a bit out of practice with the girls… I’ve not been in a relationship."

The former professional tennis player, whose brother Liam Broady is also a star on the court, has become the latest in a worrying trend of female athletes targeted by obsessive fans. Naomi, a mother to twin boys born last December, is currently a commentator for BBC Radio 5 Live and recently contributed to the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage.

A source close to the sisters described the ordeal saying "It was terrifying" and praised law enforcement for taking decisive action. Richardson is now banned from contacting either woman or approaching their homes, ahead of his sentencing at Manchester Crown Court on August 18.

Court documents state that between September 2020 and December 2023, Richardson pursued a "course of conduct" that included sending unwanted gifts, cards, paintings, and Facebook messages to Emma Broady. This behaviour caused "serious alarm or distress," substantially affecting her day-to-day life. From January to December 2023, he pursued a similar course of harassment against Naomi, fully aware that his messages would cause her distress.

Naomi’s experience mirrors those of other high-profile tennis stars. British player Katie Boulter revealed she had been followed in a car and harassed via social media, while US Open champion Emma Raducanu was left in tears after a man trailed her to four tournaments, leading to a restraining order.

Naomi herself boasts a celebrated tennis career. She reached the second round at both Wimbledon and the US Open and won her first senior title in France in 2009. She also reached the mixed doubles quarter-finals at Wimbledon, often sharing the court with her brother Liam. Since 2021, she has brought her expertise and insight to BBC audiences, becoming a trusted voice for tennis fans across the UK.

While her playing days may have concluded, Naomi’s courage in speaking out against harassment spotlights a troubling reality for women in sport: obsession and intimidation can strike off the court just as sharply as on it.

Now a mother to twin boys born last December, Naomi continues to demonstrate resilience, turning her focus to commentary while publicly addressing the harassment she faced. Her experience is a stark reminder that even celebrated athletes are not immune to the disturbing behaviour of obsessive fans, and that vigilance, legal action, and public awareness remain vital in protecting women at every level of sport.