Tennis match disruption as Emma Raducau in tears at Dubai Tennis Championships following fixated behaviour in latest stalker incident for the 22-year-old
Emma Raducanu in tears as stalker dragged out of Dubai Tennis Championships
British tennis star Emma Raducanu was in tears during her Dubai Tennis Championship match and hid behind the umpire’s chair in odd scenes at the Dubai Tennis Championship.
The WTA said Ruaducanu was targetted by a man who “exhibited fixated behaviour” during her second-round loss to Karolina Muchova.
“On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behaviour,” the WTA said.
“This same individual was identified in the first few rows during Emma’s match on Tuesday and subsequently ejected.”
The man has been banned from all WTA events, “pending a threat assessment”.
A visibly upset Raducanu, 22, alerted the chair umpire to the situation and was comforted by her rival as the man was removed from court three.
The Briton returned to the court to applause from the crowd and continued playing, but fell to a 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 defeat.
It’s not the first time Raducau has dealt with stalking. In 2022, a man was given a five-year restraining order after repeatedly turning up outside her house leaving gifts, and stealing her father’s shoes.
WTA working with Raducanu
The WTA said: “Player safety is our top priority, and tournaments are advised on security best practices for international sporting events.
“The WTA is actively working with Emma and her team to ensure her well-being and provide any necessary support.
“We remain committed to collaborating with tournaments and their security teams worldwide to maintain a safe environment for all players.”