Emma Raducanu has talked about her “difficult experience” that involves a “obsessed” fanatic in the Dubai tennis championship this week.
An emotional Raducanu approached the chair referee during the first set of his match against Karolina Muchva on Tuesday night after he saw a fan in the stands, who had previously approached her only one day before.
Emma Raducanu reacts after winning a point against Serena Williams during the Western and South Open, on August 16, 2022, in Mason, Ohio. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
The game stopped and the unidentified man was expelled.
CLICK HERE for more sports coverage at Foxnews.com
The WTA explained that “a man who exhibited obsessed behavior” approached 2021 Open US champion. in a public space on Monday. The man was seen the next day in his game in the first rows.
According to the Dubai government media office, the man “left her a note” and also took a picture of her.
“After Raducanu’s complaint, Dubai’s police arrested a tourist who approached him, left him a note, took his photograph and devoted himself to a behavior that caused his anguish during the Dubai tax free tennis championships,” said the statement.
Emma Raducanu embraces the United States Open Trophy after defeating Leylah Fernández, on September 11, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Elise amending)
British tennis star Emma Raducanu explodes in concerns about fans who ‘exhibited fixed behavior’
“While Raducanu then decided to leave the positions, the individual signed a formal company to maintain her distance and has been prohibited in future tournaments. Dubai remains committed to guaranteeing the safety of all residents and visitors of the Emirate.”
The WTA also prohibited the man of all future tournaments “pending threat assessment.”
In a message for fans on social networks, Raducanu opened about the situation.
“Thank you for the messages of support,” he wrote in a publication about his Instagram stories.
Emma Raducanu during her match against Amanda Anisimova at the Australian Open in Melbourne Park on January 16, 2025. (Mike Frey-Imagn images)
“Difficult experience yesterday, but I will be well and proud of how I returned and competed despite what happened at the beginning of the game,” Raducanu wrote. “Thanks to Karolina for being a great sport and the best of luck for the rest of the tournament.”
Raducanu received a five -year restriction order against a man in London in 2022 after being convicted of harassing her. The man appeared at his home several times and left unwanted gifts. I was 19 years old at that time.
