- The former British number was distressed and crying during his second round draw
The WTA has published a statement confirming that Emma Raducanu was attacked by a man 'who exhibited an obsessed behavior' during her second round against Karolina Muchva in the Open Dubai in an incident that left her crying.
The former British No1 stirred in the first set of his confrontation on Tuesday night, and 2-0 against Muchva, he was seen crying and cleaning his face with a towel during the break in the game.
In distressing scenes, Raducanu spoke with the referee and then seemed to hide behind the referee's chair, and then was comforted by his opponent.
After a short break, the former United States Open champion returned the court and resumed the game, losing to the NO14 Seed, 7-6 (6-8), 6-4.
But in a worrying statement, the WTA shared that the incident had been triggered by a man who observed from the stands.
“On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was contacted in a public area by a man who exhibited obsessed behavior,” said the statement, confirming the presence of man during Raducanu's first round victory over Maria Sakkari.
Emma Raducanu was distressed and crying after a man repeatedly approached him in the Dubai Open
'This same individual was identified in the first rows during Emma's match on Tuesday in the Dubai Duty Free tennis championship and subsequently expelled. He will be expelled from all WTA events awaiting threat evaluation.
'The safety of players is our highest priority, and tournaments are recommended on best security practices for international sporting events.
'The WTA is actively working with Emma and its team to guarantee your well -being and provide any necessary support. We remain committed to collaboration with tournaments and their security teams worldwide to maintain a safe environment for all players.
In 2022, Raducanu saw a five -year restriction order delivered to Amrit Magar, 35, who visited his house three times following his historic open race of 2021.
The former Amazon Delivery driver, Magar, Merodeó outside, left unwanted gifts and cards and stole porch properties, and was subsequently arrested after his father Ian was alerted to his presence by the door chamber in the house of Your family.
Magar also left notes for the 19 -year -old, claiming that he had walked 23 miles to her house and that she “deserved love.”
Raducanu told that court that Magar's presence had left her insecure in her own home and “constantly looking over his shoulder” amid the terrible experience.
'As all this has happened, I have felt scared. I feel very apprehensive if I leave, especially if I'm alone, 'Raducanu shared in a statement prepared at that time.
'Because of this, I feel that my freedom has been removed. I'm constantly looking over my shoulder. I sit at the limit and worry that this can happen again. I don't feel safe in my own home, which is where I should feel safer.
In addition to the restriction order, Magar was sentenced to an 18 -month community order, including 200 hours of unpaid work and a touch of eight weeks between 9 pm and 6 am
But only one year later, the 35 -year -old tried to revoke his community order due to medical reasons.
Raducanu's second round defeat against Mustova occurred since the player was anxious to build a significant race during the Swing of the Middle East after two disappointing first round out.
The player received the entry of bunned both ABU Dhabi Open and Qatar Open, but was knocked out in Sets by former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrusova and the opponent of the Austral Open Ekaterina Alexandrova, respectively.