British tennis star Emma Raducanu has revealed the emotional turmoil she experienced during a match at the Dubai Tennis Championships in February, after spotting a man who had been stalking her across multiple countries.
The 22-year-old said she “couldn’t see the ball through the tears” and “could barely breathe” upon noticing the individual in the stands.
The incident occurred during her second-round match against Karolina Muchova, when Raducanu recognized the man who had previously approached her in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.
Distressed, she sought refuge behind the umpire’s chair just two games into the match. Security personnel promptly removed the individual, who was later banned from all Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) events pending a threat assessment.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Raducanu said: “I saw him first game of the match, and I was like: ‘I don’t know how I’m going to finish.’ I literally couldn’t see the ball through the tears; I could barely breathe.”
This is not the first time Raducanu has faced such distressing situations. In 2022, a man was handed a five-year restraining order after trespassing on her property and leaving unwanted gifts.
In response to the recent incident, the WTA emphasized that player safety is their top priority and is actively working with Raducanu to ensure her well-being.
Despite the emotional impact, Raducanu is set to compete at the Indian Wells tournament in California. She expressed gratitude for the support received and remains focused on her tennis career, stating: “I’m here because I feel a lot better now… I just couldn’t really step away from it.”
Enhanced security measures have been implemented to ensure her safety during the tournament.
