Fan Ejected from Dubai Tennis Championships After Fixated Behavior Towards Emma Raducanu

A spectator was removed from the Dubai Tennis Championships on Tuesday after exhibiting “fixated behavior” toward British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu, according to a statement from the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

The individual initially approached 22-year-old Raducanu in a public space on Monday and then appeared in the front rows during her second-round match against Czech athlete Karolina Muchova on Tuesday, as reported by the WTA.

Distressed, Raducanu broke into tears at the start of the game. She then approached the umpire to report the situation and took cover behind the umpire’s chair.

The spectator was escorted out of the match and has been barred from all WTA events “pending a threat assessment,” announced the WTA.

“Ensuring player safety is our highest concern, and we advise tournaments on security best practices for global sports events,” the association stated. “The WTA is actively collaborating with Emma and her team to ensure her welfare and to offer any necessary support.”

“We remain steadfast in our collaboration with tournaments and their security personnel worldwide to ensure a secure environment for all competitors,” the WTA added.

A representative for the Lawn Tennis Association, the governing body for tennis in the U.K., noted in an email that they employ “extensive security measures” for their athletes, which are “constantly reviewed.”

“This incident underscores the safety challenges that players face, particularly female players,” the spokesperson highlighted. “We offer support to British players and have been in contact with Emma and her team following the events in Dubai.”

This latest incident isn’t the first anxious encounter for Raducanu with an overzealous admirer.

Back in 2022, a man was convicted of stalking Raducanu after making three appearances at her home and leaving unwanted gifts and flowers. He was served with a five-year restraining order.

Raducanu achieved worldwide fame when she clinched the U.S. Open title in 2021 at just 18. She has since gained over 2.5 million Instagram followers, secured partnerships with high-profile brands like Tiffany & Co., Dior, and Porsche, and graced the Met Gala.

Raducanu ultimately fell in the match on Tuesday, with scores of 7-6(6), 6-4. She currently holds the position of the 61st top female singles player globally, as per the WTA rankings.