Security Removes Man Following Incident at Dubai Tennis Championships
British tennis star Emma Raducanu was visibly distressed during her second-round match at the Dubai Tennis Championships after a man in the crowd displayed concerning behaviour.
The 22-year-old approached the umpire in tears after the second game of her rain-delayed match on Tuesday. Security swiftly intervened, removing the individual from the stands.
Raducanu went on to lose 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 to 14th seed Karolina Muchova.
WTA Issues Statement on Incident
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) confirmed that the man had also approached Raducanu in a public area the day before.
“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,” the WTA stated.
“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 association also assured that it is “actively working” with Raducanu to provide necessary support.
Raducanu’s History of Stalking Concerns
This is not the first time Raducanu has faced security threats. In 2022, a court issued a five-year restraining order against a 35-year-old man after he repeatedly visited her home, left unwanted gifts, and even stole her father’s shoe as a “souvenir.”
Bromley Magistrates’ Court heard that the man had travelled 23 miles to loiter outside Raducanu’s residence on multiple occasions, leaving her feeling unsafe.
In a victim impact statement, Raducanu expressed how the incidents had affected her daily life, stating that she was constantly “looking over her shoulder” and that her parents were hesitant to let her go out alone.
The restraining order prevents the individual from contacting Raducanu or her family in any capacity.
