The WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) has released a statement banning a man who displayed “fixated behaviour” toward Emma Raducanu during her match against Karolina Muchova at the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships.
The 22-year-old was in tears as she approached the umpire’s chair during the first set of the match. The match was briefly stopped, and the umpire urgently contacted the tournament organisers. The individual was identified in the first few rows and was escorted out by security.
A statement from the Women’s Tennis Association read: “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,” the statement read.
“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 wellbeing and provide any necessary support,” the WTA said.
“We remain committed to collaborating with tournaments and their security teams worldwide to maintain a safe environment for all players,” the association added.
The former U.S Open Champion took to her Instagram and thanked everyone who sent her messages of support. Speaking to Skysports former British no 1 Sam Smith expects both WTA and ATP tours to prioritise player safety and wellbeing by increasing security measures.
This is not the first time Raducanu has been a victim of similar behaviour. In 2022 she had a stalker who was handed a five-year restraining order. Amirt Magar walked 23 miles to Emma’s home on three occasions, loitered outside, stole property from her porch, and left gifts and cards.
