Emma Raducanu’s tearful mid-match ‘stalker’ panic: ‘Fixated’ man is dragged out in Dubai, three years on from restraining order case, as organisers release statement
Former British No.1 Emma Raducanu was left visibly distressed during her second-round match against Karolina Muchova at the Dubai Open, after being targeted by a man exhibiting ‘fixated behavior.’ The unsettling incident, which took place on Tuesday night, left the young star in tears on court.
Raducanu, who had been agitated from the beginning of the match, was seen crying and wiping her face with a towel as she trailed 2-0 in the first set. During a break in play, she spoke with the umpire and even sought refuge behind the umpire’s chair, later receiving comfort from her opponent, Muchova.
Despite the emotional turmoil, Raducanu showed resilience as she returned to the court to resume play. However, she struggled to regain composure and ultimately lost the match in straight sets to the No.14 seed, 7-6 (6-8), 6-4.
Disturbing Background to the Incident
In a statement released by the WTA, it was revealed that Raducanu had been approached by a man displaying troubling behavior following her first-round victory against Maria Sakkari. The same individual was present in the stands during her second-round tie against Muchova, which reportedly heightened Raducanu’s distress.
‘On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behavior,’ the WTA statement confirmed. ‘This individual was also present during her match against Karolina Muchova, contributing to the distress she experienced on court.’
Further reports indicate that the 19-year-old had previously been stalked by a man who visited her family home three times, raising additional concerns about her safety and well-being. The situation has prompted discussions about the security measures in place to protect athletes from such incidents.
Support from the Tennis Community
Following the distressing episode, the tennis community has rallied around Raducanu, expressing concern for her emotional and physical safety. Fellow players, coaches, and fans have sent messages of support, calling for stronger protective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As Raducanu processes this alarming experience, the focus remains on ensuring her security both on and off the court. The WTA has reassured that appropriate actions are being taken to address the situation and provide the necessary support for the former US Open champion.
This unsettling event has once again raised the issue of player safety in professional sports, sparking conversations about the need for increased vigilance and protection for athletes, particularly young stars like Raducanu who find themselves in the public eye.
What’s Next for Raducanu?
Despite the difficult experience, Raducanu is expected to continue competing in upcoming tournaments. However, it remains to be seen whether additional security measures will be implemented to ensure her peace of mind as she continues her professional career.
For now, the priority remains her well-being, and fans worldwide hope that she receives the necessary support to recover from this traumatic event.