Raducanu targeted by man ‘exhibiting fixated behaviour’

Emma Raducanu was targeted by a man who “exhibited fixated behaviour” during her second-round loss to Karolina Muchova at the Dubai Tennis Championships, the WTA said.

An emotional Raducanu, 22, was seen hiding behind the umpire’s chair two games into her second round loss to Karolina Muchova.

“On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behaviour”, the WTA said.

“This same person was ejected after being identified in the first few rows of Emma’s match on Tuesday.”

The man has been banned from all WTA events, “pending a threat assessment”.

As the person was taken off court three, Raducanu comforted the chair umpire by bringing the situation to light.

The Briton returned to the court to applause from the crowd and continued playing, but fell to a 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 defeat.

A man who traveled 23 miles to Raducanu’s London home was granted a five-year restraining order in 2022.

The WTA stated that “tournaments are advised on security best practices for international sporting events, and player safety is our top priority.”

Emma and her team are in good health and getting the support they need, according to the WTA.