Emma Raducanu faced a terrifying moment during the Dubai Tennis Championships when she spotted a man in the stands who had reportedly caused her distress. The 22-year-old British tennis star broke down in tears and hid behind the umpire’s chair after recognizing the individual.
Dubai Police confirmed on Thursday that they detained a tourist who had approached Raducanu, left her a note, and taken her photograph. The man’s behavior was deemed concerning enough for authorities to take immediate action. While Raducanu later dropped charges, the individual signed a restraining order, barring him from future tournaments.
Footage from Tuesday’s match shows Raducanu celebrating a point before suddenly spotting someone in the crowd. She then walked toward the stands, shaking her head, and exchanged words with an unidentified individual. Moments later, a man wearing a khaki t-shirt was escorted out by security.
The incident began on Monday when the same man reportedly gave Raducanu a letter at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre. By Tuesday, he was removed from the audience during her second-round match. Raducanu, clearly shaken, reported the incident to security and WTA officials.
A statement from the WTA later confirmed that Raducanu had identified someone who had displayed “fixated behavior.” She was distressed enough to seek help from on-site security, leading to police intervention. The authorities emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety of all players and spectators.
During the match, Raducanu struggled emotionally, losing the first two games against Karolina Muchova. However, she managed to compose herself and continue playing, ultimately falling in straight sets, 7-6, 6-4.
Following the match, Raducanu flew home to England and reassured her fans on Instagram. She shared a photo of the novel Emma alongside a cup of coffee, writing: “Thank you for the messages of support. Difficult experience yesterday but I’ll be okay and proud of how I came back and competed despite what happened.” She also wished Muchova luck in the tournament.
Meanwhile, authorities have taken further precautions. According to sources, the name of the man involved in the Dubai incident has been passed on to Wimbledon officials. He has reportedly been placed on a watchlist of individuals deemed a potential risk.
Dubai remains committed to protecting players and visitors, and security measures have been reinforced. Raducanu, while visibly shaken, showed resilience in returning to the court. The incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding player safety at major sporting events.
