Former British tennis player Naomi Broady went through a very uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situation after a man was found guilty of stalking and harassing her.
Broady, who played her last pro match in 2021 and is now 35 years old, received constant messages from David Richardson throughout the entire 2023. Before contacting the former 76th-ranked WTA player, the 39-year-old man in question also harassed her older sister, Emma - with whom he went to high school.
After Emma showed no interest in being with Richardson or having any contact, he turned to Naomi. And after the police took the matter in their hands and the case went to court, according to The Mirror, the court determined that the stalker sent multiple unwanted images and messages via Facebook and sending unwanted gifts, cards and paintings" between January and December of 2023.
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Richardson said he 'was a bit out of practice with the girls'
"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. So I just bought her a Selfridges voucher and some flowers for her birthday. And then I didn't ask her out. But then Valentine's Day came along, so I bought her another Selfridges voucher and flowers, and then Christmas came along. You know, I sent it to her again, but she thanked me and said it really cheered her up," Richardson explained.
In front of the judge, the 39-year-old man pleaded guilty and his sentencing is scheduled for August 18th. He is also banned from contacting the Broady sisters or visiting their Stockport home.
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Naomi Broady, who won nine titles on the lower-tier during her career, is also a sister of British male tennis player Liam Broady. Since walking away from pro tennis, Naomi has worked as a tennis analyst and commentator. Most recently, she worked for the BBC during this year's Wimbledon.
