Unu tennis match that should have been only a sports duel has turned into A nightmare for Emma Raducanu. During the match against Karolina Muchova At the Open of Dubai, the British tennis player lived moments of pure terrorinterrupting the game in tears and taking refuge behind the referee’s chair. The race was suspended for several minutes, leaving the public in doubt what was going on. Only when the police removed a man from the stands did the situation appeared clearer: Raducanu, 22 years old, had a stalker recognized among the spectators.
Emma Raducanu persecuted by a stalker among the public
The episode occurred in the second game of the first set. Emma Raducanu, visibly shaken, approached the referee Miriam Bley e indicated a man sitting among the first rows. Immediately after, in tears, he searched shelter behind the chair judge’s positionwhile the public assisted incredulously to the scene. His opponent, Muchova, immediately understood the seriousness of the situation and approached to comfort it.
Shortly after, the Tournament safety and law enforcement agencies intervened, identifying and removing the individual. There Women’s Tennis Association (WTA)That organizes and manages female tennis tournaments, he then explained in a press release: «Monday 17 February, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by A man who showed obsessive behavior. This same individual was identified on Tuesday during his match and subsequently expelled ».
The previous one of 2022
It is not the first time that Emma Raducanu has been having to deal with a similar episode. In 2022, A British court had imposed a five -year restrictive order to a man who had followed her home. The individual had traveled 23 miles on foot to get to his home in London, leaving a disturbing letter written: “I know where you live, Emma”. The court has it sentenced to 18 months of social services and the absolute ban on approaching the tennis player.
The return to the field, defeat and support of the WTA
After the intervention of security, Emma Raducanu has returned to the fieldtrying to maintain concentration. The public welcomed her with an applause, while her opponent showed great solidarity. Despite the resumption of the match, The young British tennsita, winner of the US Open in 2021, ended up selling 7-6, 6-4.
There WTA has ensured its full support for the player: «The security of the players is our priority. We are collaborating with Emma and her team to guarantee her well -being ». A clear message, which however does not cancel the fear that similar episodes can repeat themselves.
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