Emma Raducanu’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships campaign ended in tears and distress yesterday, as a man described as exhibiting “fixated behaviour” was ejected from her match against Karolina Muchova. The visibly shaken star was seen crying and even hiding behind the umpire’s chair, sparking fears that her past experiences with stalking are taking a heavy toll.
Just two games into the crucial second-round clash, the young Brit was clearly distressed. Wiping away tears, she spoke to the umpire as the individual was removed from the stands. A WTA statement later confirmed the man had approached Raducanu in a public area the previous day, raising serious questions about security protocols.
WTA statement on the security incident in Dubai:
— wta (@WTA) February 19, 2025
On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behavior. This same individual was identified in the first few rows during Emma’s match on Tuesday at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis…
“Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behaviour,” the statement read. “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.”
Read more: Manny Pacquiao Joins Netflix’s ‘Physical: Asia’ Survival Show as First Revealed Contestant
This latest incident brings back painful memories of Raducanu’s previous stalking ordeal in 2022, which left her feeling unsafe in her own home. Amrit Magar, who had walked 23 miles to her family home and stolen her father’s shoe, was given a five-year restraining order.
“Because of this I feel like my freedom has been taken away from me,” Raducanu said at the time. “I feel on edge and worried this could happen again. I don’t feel safe in my own home, which is where I should feel safest.” These chilling words now ring with a renewed sense of urgency.
WTA explains why Emma Raducanu was in tears during her second-round match at the #DDFTennis.
— Victor Okechukwu (@Uzochuwu1) February 19, 2025
A clip showed her explaining the situation to the umpire. Before hiding behind the umpire seat. https://t.co/hw1P1pEYAz pic.twitter.com/YuqfLO4odq
While Raducanu bravely attempted to continue the match, she ultimately lost to Muchova 7-6 (6), 6-4. The result, however, was overshadowed by the disturbing events that unfolded. The WTA has stated they are “actively working with Emma and her team to ensure her well-being and provide any necessary support,” but many will question whether enough is being done to protect vulnerable athletes.
Read more: Plane Crash Claims Lives of Youngest Victims, Angela Yang and Sean Kay
The man has been banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment, but for Raducanu, the psychological scars of these repeated intrusions may prove far harder to heal. One can only hope that she receives the support she needs to overcome this latest setback, both on and off the court.
