During the recent WTA event in Dubai, Emma Raducanu faced a distressing incident when a “fixated” man approached her at her hotel and handed her a letter before her second-round match. This unsettling encounter contributed to her emotional distress, leading her to seek assistance from the chair umpire during her match against Karolina Muchova. The situation was exacerbated when the same individual was spotted in proximity to Raducanu during the match, prompting immediate removal by tennis authorities.
In her response via Instagram, Raducanu expressed gratitude for the support she received, acknowledging the experience as difficult but asserting her ability to move forward. The WTA confirmed that the man will be banned from all events pending a threat assessment.
Raducanu, who gained fame after winning the US Open in 2021, has faced similar challenges before, including a previous incident with a stalker who received a restraining order. The WTA is actively working with Raducanu to ensure her safety and wellbeing, echoing ongoing concerns about player security in light of historical incidents like the stabbing of Monica Seles in 1993. The event also sparked discussions on enhancing security measures at future tournaments.