Emma Raducanu left in tears after man ‘exhibits fixated behaviour’ during Dubai match

Raducanu appeared to be in tears during the first set against Karolina Muchova in Dubai, eventually losing in straight sets, with the WTA confirming it has banned a man from future events ‘pending a threat assessment’

Emma Raducanu was left in tears on court in Dubai after a man "exhibited fixated behaviour" during her second-round loss to Karolina Muchova.

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) confirmed it has now banned a man, who was taken away by security personnel during the Dubai Tennis Championships.

The 22-year-old was visibly emotional during the first set at 0-2 against her Czech opponent and was seen waiting behind the umpire's chair as help was organised.

The man, who was also seen at Raducanu’s first match in Dubai on Sunday against Maria Sakkari, is now banned from all WTA events, "pending a threat assessment,” with the WTA’s statement confirming Raducanu has been offered support.

Raducanu has also thanked her fans for their messages of support, with the former US Open champion posting on Instagram that she was “proud” of how she reacted to the “difficult experience” of being approached by the man.

"Thank you for the messages of support," Raducanu said on Instagram. “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.

"Thank you to Karolina for being a great sport and best of luck to her for the rest of the tournament."

The man, who was also seen at Raducanu’s first match in Dubai on Sunday against Maria Sakkari, is now banned from all WTA events, "pending a threat assessment,” with the WTA’s statement confirming Raducanu has been offered support.

"On Monday Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behaviour," the WTA 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.

"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.

“Player safety is our top priority, and tournaments are advised on security best practices for international sporting events.”

The news comes three years after a man was given a five-year restraining order In 2022 after walking 23 miles to Raducanu’s London home.

“Since all this has happened, I have felt creeped out. I feel very apprehensive if I go out, especially if I am on my own,” Raducanu said at the time.

“I feel like my freedom has been taken away from me. I am constantly looking over my shoulder. I feel on edge and worried this could happen again. I don’t feel safe in my own home, which is where I should feel safest.”

Emma Raducanu was visibly shaken on court (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the Lawn Tennis Association said it has been in touch with Raducanu following the incident and that "extensive security arrangements" are in place at tournaments in the UK.

"This incident once again highlights issues around safety that all players, but female players in particular, can face," the LTA said in a statement.

"We have support available for British players and have been in contact with Emma and her team following the events in Dubai.

"We have extensive security arrangements at our events in Britain and keep these under constant review. The tours have strong processes in place already and we will continue to work together along with police and security providers to deal with situations like this robustly."

Includes reporting from PA