WTA Prohibits Man Exhibiting Fixation Towards Emma Raducanu in Dubai
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Synopsis
The Women's Tennis Association has banned a man for displaying fixated behavior towards Emma Raducanu during her match against Karolina Muchova at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Raducanu expressed her fear during the incident, and the WTA is prioritizing player safety and providing support to Raducanu.
Key Takeaways
- WTA bans a man for fixated behavior
- Emma Raducanu faced distress during the match
- Security measures are being emphasized
- Raducanu's safety is a priority for WTA
- Previous stalking incident reported
New Delhi, Feb 19 (NationPress) The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has enacted a ban on a man who approached Emma Raducanu, the former US Open champion, showcasing fixated behaviour during her second-round defeat to Karolina Muchova at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The 22-year-old British player was left shaken when the man, who had confronted her in a public setting on Monday, was seen at her match against Muchova on Tuesday. She was visibly distressed and was observed seeking refuge behind the umpire's chair shortly after the match commenced.
Raducanu notified the chair umpire regarding the matter, leading to the individual being escorted out of court three.
The WTA released a statement saying, "On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behaviour. This same individual was identified in the front rows during Emma’s match on Tuesday at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and was subsequently removed. He will be barred from all WTA events while a threat assessment is conducted."
The association emphasized, "Player safety is our utmost priority, and tournaments are guided on security best practices for international sporting events. The WTA is actively collaborating with Emma and her team to ensure her safety and provide necessary support. We are dedicated to working with tournaments and their security teams globally to uphold a safe atmosphere for all players," it added.
Despite the unsettling event, Raducanu made an effort to continue playing and returned to the court to a supportive crowd, though she ultimately lost 7-6 (8-6) 6-4.
This incident is not the first for Raducanu; in February 2022, a stalker traveled 23 miles to her residence and took her father's shoe as a memento, resulting in a five-year restraining order being issued.
