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British tennis star Raducanu thanks fans for support after spectator incident
The former US Open champion was targeted by 'a man who exhibited fixated behaviour'
- PUBLISHED: Wed 19 Feb 2025, 9:01 PM
- By:
- AFP
Emma Raducanu thanked for their support after the British tennis star was targeted by "a man who exhibited fixated behaviour" at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
The former US Open champion, who was reduced to tears on court, was down 2-0 in the first set against Karolina Muchova on Tuesday when she approached the umpire, then briefly took refuge behind the umpire's chair.
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Muchova went over to see what was wrong before the 2021 New York champion Raducanu reappeared, wiping away tears with her towel.
Raducanu said she will come back strong from the incident.
"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 at the start of the match," she was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
"Thank you to Karolina (Muchova) for being a great sport and best of luck to her for the rest of the tournament."
The Women's Tennis Association said it would ban the man.
"On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behaviour," a statement 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."
In 2022, a London court issued a five-year restraining order against a man who stalked the British tennis star, including making several visits to her home.
The WTA said in its statement that it "is actively working with Emma and her team to ensure her well-being and provide any necessary support".
It added: "We remain committed to collaborating with tournaments and their security teams worldwide to maintain a safe environment for all players."
The Czech Republic's Muchova won the second-round match 7-6 (8/6), 6-4. (With inputs from AFP)
