Emma Raducanu was visibly upset after being approached by a man displaying “fixated behaviour” ahead of her defeat to Karolina Muchova in Dubai.
The individual was subsequently ejected from the court by security and will be banned from all future WTA events “pending a threat assessment”.
Raducanu was in tears as she went to the umpire’s chair after the second game of her rain-delayed second-round match on Tuesday and went on to lose 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 to 14th seed Muchova.
Highlights of the Dubai Championship match between Raducanu and Karolina Muchova
Muchova consoled Raducanu as the man was removed, before the Briton was applauded by other spectators as she resumed playing.
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.
The WTA says it will support Raducanu after the incidents in Dubai
“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.”
In 2022, a man who walked 23 miles to Raducanu’s London home was given a five-year restraining order.
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