Emma Raducanu was brought to tears during her second-round match at the Dubai Championships after reporting concerns over a man exhibiting “fixated behavior,” the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) confirmed on Wednesday.
During Tuesday’s match, Raducanu approached the chair umpire after the second game and stepped into a small space near the official’s chair, delaying play. The 2021 U.S. Open champion eventually resumed the match, but despite her efforts, she lost 7-6 (6), 6-4 to 14th-seeded Karolina Muchova.
The WTA clarified that the same man had approached Raducanu in a public area on Monday and was later spotted in the stands during her match. Following her report, tournament organizers removed the individual, who is now banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment.
Raducanu, who experienced a stalking incident at her family home in 2021, received immediate support from both the umpire and Muchova during the match. Despite wiping away tears and pressing on, the British player declined to comment afterward.
The WTA assured fans that it is collaborating with Raducanu and her team to prioritize her safety and well-being.
Raducanu rose to prominence in 2021 by winning the U.S. Open as a qualifier, but she has struggled with injuries and form since, failing to advance past the third round at subsequent Grand Slam tournaments.
Source: Swifteradio.com
