DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Emma Raducanu faced a distressing situation during her second-round match at the Dubai Championships, prompting her to seek assistance from the chair umpire. The Women's Tennis Association revealed that Raducanu was visibly upset due to a man displaying 'fixated behavior.' This led her to approach the umpire in tears and take an unscheduled break.
During the match, Raducanu walked to the umpire after the second game, exchanged a few words, and then sought refuge in a small space near the official’s chair. The 2021 U.S. Open champion, who had previously dealt with a stalking incident in her native Britain, returned to play after a brief delay but eventually lost to 14th-seeded Karolina Muchova.
The WTA later clarified that Raducanu had been approached by the individual exhibiting concerning behavior in a public space the day before the match. The same person was identified in the crowd during Raducanu's match and was subsequently removed from the venue. The WTA announced that the individual would be banned from all future WTA events pending a threat assessment.
Raducanu's decision to report her concerns to the chair umpire in the first set led to immediate action by tournament organizers. Muchova showed support for Raducanu during the match, offering consolation to the young British player.
Despite the unsettling incident, Raducanu displayed resilience by continuing the match after composing herself. The WTA stated that they are collaborating with Raducanu and her team to ensure her well-being and provide any necessary support.
Raducanu gained international recognition in 2021 by winning the U.S. Open as a qualifier, a remarkable achievement in tennis history. Since then, she has faced challenges in major tournaments and endured periods of recovery from injuries.
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