Emma Raducanu, the former US Open champion, experienced a distressing moment during her second-round match at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Wednesday. After an early break to Czech player Karolina Muchova, the 22-year-old British athlete sought refuge behind the umpire’s chair, overcome with emotion. Muchova, showing sportsmanship, approached Raducanu to offer comfort.
Raducanu managed to compose herself and continued the match, ultimately losing 7-6(6), 6-4 after two hours and four minutes. Despite having a set point in the first set, she was unable to capitalise, leading commentators to express concern over her on-court distress, noting the absence of visible injuries and the inability to hear details of the situation.
This emotional breakdown may relate to Raducanu’s recent breakup with her coach Nick Cavaday due to his health issues, ending their partnership after 14 months. Reflecting on her career post-US Open victory, Raducanu acknowledged the challenges of the competitive tour, describing it as “not a very nice, trusting and safe space.”
Muchova will advance to face American McCartney Kessler in the next round, while Raducanu’s emotional moment has raised questions about her mental well-being in the sport.