Emma Raducanu’s run at the Dubai Tennis Championships took an unexpected turn when she spotted a stalker during her second-round match against Karolina Muchova. The British tennis star appeared shaken and emotional early in the match, briefly pausing the game to speak with the umpire. The incident raised immediate concerns, with many wondering about what happened.
Here are more details about the incident.
Emma Raducanu’s stalker incident in Dubai explained
Emma Raducanu’s campaign at the Dubai Tennis Championships took a disturbing turn when a stalker incident disrupted her match on Tuesday, February 17, against Karolina Muchova. The British star became visibly emotional after spotting a man “who exhibited fixated behavior” in the front rows of the stadium. He had previously approached her in a public setting. Moments later, she walked to the umpire’s chair in distress, leading to a brief pause in play.
According to the WTA, Raducanu had encountered the same man in a public space before. He was later spotted in the front rows of the stadium. Security swiftly removed him and the governing body will ban him from all WTA events pending further security evaluations. The WTA also emphasized that player safety remains a “top priority.” They have assured that Raducanu and her team would receive any necessary support.
The incident in Dubai is not the first time Raducanu has faced security concerns. In 2022, a man named Amrit Magar was issued a five-year restraining order after he repeatedly stalked her at her home, leaving unwanted gifts and even stealing her father’s shoe as a “souvenir.” Raducanu later revealed that the experience left her feeling unsafe.
With her match already delayed due to rain, the night proved even more challenging for the former US Open champion. Despite the disruption, Raducanu attempted to fight back after a slow start. However, Muchova held her ground and secured a 7-6 (6), 6-4 victory.
