Emma Raducanu was twice confronted by a man “who exhibited fixated behaviour” before a tearful second-round exit at the Dubai Championships.
The 2021 US Open champion was visibly emotional as she went to the umpire’s chair after the second game on Tuesday and her second-round match against Karolina Muchova was briefly paused on court 2.
Organisers of the women’s tour said Raducanu was approached in a public space on Monday “by a man who exhibited fixated behavior” and “this same individual was identified in the first few rows during Emma’s match on Tuesday … and subsequently ejected.”
The WTA said it was working with Raducanu and her team to ensure her wellbeing and provide any necessary support, and a statement added: “[The man] will be banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment.”
Concern was raised on Tuesday when after speaking to the umpire, who immediately called tournament organisers, Raducanu stood in a small space between the official’s chair and courtside screening before Muchova moved over to console her.
Emma Raducanu in action in her first-round match in Dubai against Maria Sakkari.Credit: Getty Images
Raducanu then picked up a towel, wiped her face, nodded and continued the match. The British player rallied from 4-0 down to force a tie-breaker but eventually lost 7-6 (6), 6-4.
A man who stalked Raducanu while she was still a teenager was sentenced to an 18-month community service order and given a five-year restraining order after appearing in a British court in 2022.
Amrit Magar, a former delivery driver from London, went to Raducanu’s home on three separate dates, loitered outside, left unwanted gifts and cards, and stole property.
Raducanu rose to fame in 2021 by winning the US Open as a qualifier, one of the most unlikely achievements in tennis. She has not been past the fourth round at a major since then and has spent long stints recovering from injuries.
Telegraph, London
