Tennis Star Emma Raducanu Forced to Pause Match Due to ‘Fixated Fan’

Tennis star Emma Raducanu had to pause her match on Tuesday, February 18, after an unruly fan apparently caused her to break down in tears.

The incident happened at the Dubai Tennis Championships where Raducanu, 22, was competing in round two against Czech player Karolina Muchova. The man allegedly approached Raducanu in a public area before the match, then made his way to the first few rows as she was playing.

It’s not clear what he said, but the Women’s Tennis Association claimed in a statement that he was exhibiting “fixated” behavior toward her. The British pro broke down in tears near the start of the match before approaching the chair umpire to explain the situation. She appeared to hide behind the umpire’s chair as security removed the fan from the stadium.

“Player safety is our top priority, and tournaments are advised on security best practices for international sporting events,” the WTA’s statement read. “The WTA is actively working with Emma and her team to ensure her well-being and provide any necessary support.”

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The WTA added that the man will be banned from all WTA events “pending a threat assessment.”

“We remain committed to collaborating with tournaments and their security teams worldwide to maintain a safe environment for all players,” the statement continued.

Muchova, 28, ultimately won the match, 7-6(6), 6-4. Raducanu released a public comment afterward via her Instagram Story, addressing the incident and congratulating her opponent.

“Thank you for the messages of support,” she wrote. “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 Karoline for being a great sport and best of luck to her for the rest of the tournament.”

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The Lawn Tennis Association, tennis’ governing body in the UK, said it is in contact with Raducanu and its “extensive security arrangements” are “under constant review.”

“This incident once again highlights issues around safety that all players, but female players in particular, can face,” a spokesperson said in a statement to NBC Sports. “We have support available for British players and have been in contact with Emma and her team following the events in Dubai.”

This isn’t Raducanu’s first run-in with an unruly fan — in 2022 a man showed up at her home three times, leaving unwanted gifts and flowers. He also allegedly sent her love letters and stole items from her property. The man was found guilty of stalking and received a five-year restraining order.

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By: Russell Steinberg
Title: Tennis Star Emma Raducanu Forced to Pause Match Due to ‘Fixated Fan’
Sourced From: www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/tennis-star-emma-raducanu-forced-to-pause-match-due-to-fixated-fan/
Published Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2025 17:34:49 +0000