Emma Raducanu’s Distressing Experience in Dubai
A visibly shaken Emma Raducanu broke down in tears after an unsettling encounter with a “fixated” individual during her match against Karolina Muchova in Dubai on Tuesday. The situation escalated when the man approached Raducanu, 22, in public the day before the match, raising significant concerns about her safety. The WTA confirmed that the individual was later seen at her match, causing further distress for the young British player.
Raducanu, the British No. 2, was clearly affected by the incident, crying and struggling to catch her breath as she pointed out the man to the umpire just two games into the match. In response to the alarming situation, tennis authorities promptly ejected the individual from the venue and have since banned him from attending any future events.
WTA Statement on Player Safety
The WTA issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to player safety: “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.”
During the match, Raducanu’s fear was palpable as she sought refuge behind the umpire’s chair, sobbing and visibly shaken. Her opponent, Muchova, showed compassion and came over to console her. Raducanu required a moment to regain her composure, taking time to sit down and wipe away her tears before attempting to continue the match.
The match resumed as Raducanu worked to collect herself, utilizing changeovers to cover her head with a towel and focus on her breathing. Despite her effort to rally, she ultimately lost in a close battle, with a final score of 7-6, 6-4.
Previous Stalking Incident
This incident is not the first time Raducanu has faced threats to her safety. In the past, she dealt with a persistent stalker, Amrit Magar, 35, who approached her family home in south London multiple times, leaving unwanted gifts and stealing personal items from her porch. Raducanu expressed that these episodes made her feel unsafe in her own home and left her feeling “very apprehensive if I go out.” As a result, Magar received a five-year restraining order and an 18-month community order from Bromley Magistrates Court in February 2022.
Even after the man was removed from her match in Dubai, Raducanu struggled to find her rhythm, losing the first four games. However, she managed to rally and force a first-set tie-break, even holding a point to take the opening set. However, No. 14 seed Muchova showcased her resilience, recovering from a 5-2 deficit in the tiebreak to clinch the set. Muchova broke early in the second set, ultimately sealing her victory after two hours and seven minutes of play at midnight in Dubai, after rain delays had pushed the match back several hours.
