Tearful Emma Raducanu targeted by man who ‘exhibited fixated behaviour’
Emma Raducanu was targeted by a man ‘exhibiting fixated behaviour’ during her match against Karolina Muchova in Dubai. The 2021 US Open champion was in tears during the second-round clash on Tuesday as a man was ejected from the stands. Sky Sports TennisRaducanu wiped away tears during her clash with Muchova[/caption] Raducanu was first approached by the man in public on Monday following her first-round victory. The visibly-upset Brit approached the umpire’s chair two games into her clash with Muchova and needed comforting from her opponent. A WTA statement subsequently explained: “On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behaviour. “This same individual was identified in the first few rows during Emma’s match on Tuesday at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and subsequently ejected. “He will be banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment. “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.” Raducanu was given a warm reception from fans as the match resumed but went on to lose 7-6 6-4. The incident comes years after the 22-year-old was targeted by a stalker. The Brit was visibly emotional as events in Dubai unfoldedSky Sports Tennis Married man Amrit Magar was convicted of stalking at Bromley Magistrates Court after tracking down Raducanu’s address, visiting her home three times, stealing items and leaving notes. Speaking in January 2022, Raducanu said: “Because of this I feel like my freedom has been taken away from me. I am constantly looking over my shoulder. “I feel on edge and worried this could happen again. I don’t feel safe in my own home which is where I should feel safest.” Magar was given a five-year restraining order and an 18-month community sentence. Raducanu had progressed to the second-round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships by beating Maria Sakkari in straight sets on Sunday. That victory ended the Brit’s worst losing run of her career after four consecutive defeats. Sky Sports TennisRaducanu rallied back to force an opening set tie break but ultimately exited the tournament[/caption] Speaking after ending her drought on Monday, she explained: “I just tried to stay really focused on the point in front of me. “There were some momentum shifts throughout the match and when I got broken twice early in the sets I just regrouped really well and I managed to break back [immediately] both times. “I was really pleased with how I fought and competed against Maria, she’s a top player, been as high as three in the world. I’m just really proud of my performance.” Raducanu had been handed a wildcard to appear at the event, which is being held at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre in the United Arab Emirates. It is her latest tournament in what is shaping up to be a busy 2025 for Raducanu. She will join British no.1 Katie Boulter in an historic women’s event at Queen’s Club in June. The tournament will be the first women’s competition to be held at the venue since 1973. Fellow Grand Slam champions Madison Keys and Naomi Osaka are also expected to appear.
Emma Raducanu was targeted by a man ‘exhibiting fixated behaviour’ during her match against Karolina Muchova in Dubai.
The 2021 US Open champion was in tears during the second-round clash on Tuesday as a man was ejected from the stands.
Raducanu was first approached by the man in public on Monday following her first-round victory.
The visibly-upset Brit approached the umpire’s chair two games into her clash with Muchova and needed comforting from her opponent.
A WTA statement subsequently explained: “On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behaviour.
“This same individual was identified in the first few rows during Emma’s match on Tuesday at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and subsequently ejected.
“He will be banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment.
“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.”
Raducanu was given a warm reception from fans as the match resumed but went on to lose 7-6 6-4.
The incident comes years after the 22-year-old was targeted by a stalker.
Married man Amrit Magar was convicted of stalking at Bromley Magistrates Court after tracking down Raducanu’s address, visiting her home three times, stealing items and leaving notes.
Speaking in January 2022, Raducanu said: “Because of this I feel like my freedom has been taken away from me. I am constantly looking over my shoulder.
“I feel on edge and worried this could happen again. I don’t feel safe in my own home which is where I should feel safest.”
Magar was given a five-year restraining order and an 18-month community sentence.
Raducanu had progressed to the second-round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships by beating Maria Sakkari in straight sets on Sunday.
That victory ended the Brit’s worst losing run of her career after four consecutive defeats.
Speaking after ending her drought on Monday, she explained: “I just tried to stay really focused on the point in front of me.
“There were some momentum shifts throughout the match and when I got broken twice early in the sets I just regrouped really well and I managed to break back [immediately] both times.
“I was really pleased with how I fought and competed against Maria, she’s a top player, been as high as three in the world. I’m just really proud of my performance.”
Raducanu had been handed a wildcard to appear at the event, which is being held at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre in the United Arab Emirates.
It is her latest tournament in what is shaping up to be a busy 2025 for Raducanu.
She will join British no.1 Katie Boulter in an historic women’s event at Queen’s Club in June.
The tournament will be the first women’s competition to be held at the venue since 1973.
Fellow Grand Slam champions Madison Keys and Naomi Osaka are also expected to appear.
