Feb. 19 (UPI) — A spectator was ejected and banned from future WTA events after directing “fixated behavior” toward British tennis star Emma Raducanu during the Dubai Championships, the WTA announced.
The WTA released the statement late Tuesday after Raducanu lost to Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic in straight sets in the Round of 32. Early on in the match, Raducanu’s eyes filled with tears as she approached a chair umpire. She then briefly stood behind the umpire’s chair before play resumed.
“On Monday, Feb. 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behavior,” the WTA said. “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.
“He will be banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment. Player safety is our top priority, and tournaments are advised on security best practices for international sporting events.
“The WTA is actively working with Emma and her team to ensure her well-being and provide any necessary support. We remain committed to collaborating with tournaments and their security teams worldwide to maintain a safe environment for all players.”
Raducanu, 22, earned fame when she won the 2021 U.S. Open. The No. 61 player in the WTA rankings climbed to a career-high No. 10 in 2022.
The British tennis player, who was 19 at that time, also was targeted by a stalker in 2022. Amrit Magar, who went to Raducanu’s home on multiple occasions in 2021, was found guilty of stalking her and given a five-year restraining order. Magar, who was 35 at the time, also sent Raducanu gifts and cards and claimed he walked 23 miles to her home.
Muchova won Monday’s match 7-6(6), 6-4. The No. 17 player in the world is to face No. 53 McCartney Kessler of the United States in the third round.
Raducanu has not commented on the incident, but received several messages of support on her social media platforms.
“We support the WTA’s decision to ban the individual in question from all WTA events, and share the tour’s longstanding commitment to player welfare, safety and wellbeing,” Dubai Championships organizers said in a statement.
