Security Incident disrupts Raducanu's Dubai Tennis Championships match
Alona Yadav | Feb 20, 2025, 20:11 IST
( Image credit : TOI Sports )
A man exhibiting concerning behavior towards Emma Raducanu was ejected from the Dubai Tennis Championships, as reported by the WTA. The incident visibly affected Raducanu during her match against Karolina Muchová. Despite the disruption, Raducanu showed resilience but ultimately lost the match.
A spectator exhibiting "fixated behavior" toward Emma Raducanu was ejected from the Dubai Tennis Championships on Tuesday, according to a statement from the WTA, the governing body of women's tennis.
The WTA reported that the man had approached Raducanu in a public area on Monday before being spotted "in the first few rows" during her match the following day, prompting his removal from the venue. The organization confirmed he "will be banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment."
The incident visibly affected Raducanu during the early stages of her second-round match against Karolina Muchová of the Czech Republic. The British player appeared emotional as she spoke with the umpire and briefly sought shelter behind the official's chair. Muchová, who was leading 2-0 in the first set when play was interrupted, crossed the court to comfort her distressed opponent before the match resumed after a short delay.
"Player safety is our top priority, and tournaments are advised on security best practices for international sporting events," the WTA stated. "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."
Despite the unsettling start, Raducanu showed resilience on court. After falling behind 4-0 in the opening set, she mounted a comeback to narrow the gap to 5-4. However, Muchová ultimately claimed the first set in a tie-break before breaking Raducanu's serve early in the second set to secure control of the match.
With the victory, world No. 17 Muchová advances to face American McCartney Kessler in the third round. Kessler earned her spot by defeating fellow American Coco Gauff earlier on Tuesday.
The WTA reported that the man had approached Raducanu in a public area on Monday before being spotted "in the first few rows" during her match the following day, prompting his removal from the venue. The organization confirmed he "will be banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment."
The incident visibly affected Raducanu during the early stages of her second-round match against Karolina Muchová of the Czech Republic. The British player appeared emotional as she spoke with the umpire and briefly sought shelter behind the official's chair. Muchová, who was leading 2-0 in the first set when play was interrupted, crossed the court to comfort her distressed opponent before the match resumed after a short delay.
"Player safety is our top priority, and tournaments are advised on security best practices for international sporting events," the WTA stated. "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."
Despite the unsettling start, Raducanu showed resilience on court. After falling behind 4-0 in the opening set, she mounted a comeback to narrow the gap to 5-4. However, Muchová ultimately claimed the first set in a tie-break before breaking Raducanu's serve early in the second set to secure control of the match.
With the victory, world No. 17 Muchová advances to face American McCartney Kessler in the third round. Kessler earned her spot by defeating fellow American Coco Gauff earlier on Tuesday.