WATCH: Emma Raducanu hides as stalker invades court during WTA Dubai Open

Emma Raducanu lost to Muchova in the second round.

Highly disturbing visuals emerged from the second round of the WTA Dubai Tennis Championships 2025. During the encounter between Karolina Muchova and Emma Raducanu, the young British sensation was reduced to tears and looked visibly traumatised, just two games into the opening set.

The 2021 US Open winner hid behind the umpire’s chair and appeared to panic at the sight of a person in the stands. Raducanu had conceded an early break during the second-round match when the visibly distraught star stopped play.

Muchova, an experienced player on the WTA circuit, reached out to Raducanu and consoled her. However, for those watching the match live, it was difficult to understand what was going on. “Unfortunately, we cannot hear what is going on, but it doesn’t look good … for Raducanu,” commentator Candy Reid said.

WTA explains why Emma Raducanu was in tears during her second-round match at the #DDFTennis.A clip showed her explaining the situation to the umpire. Before hiding behind the umpire seat. https://t.co/hw1P1pEYAz pic.twitter.com/YuqfLO4odq

— Victor Okechukwu (@Uzochuwu1) February 19, 2025

“(She) appears to be in tears here and this is very, very concerning. Something has happened and I am not sure what it is. “You never want to see a player in tears on court; this is meant to be a fun game.”

The WTA later released a statement confirming that a man displaying “fixated behaviour” toward Raducanu had been banned from all WTA events.

Also Read: WATCH: Gunfire and army tanks stop play in ATP Challenger Tour event

“Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behavior,” the statement read. “This same individual was identified in the first few rows during Emma’s match on Tuesday at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and subsequently ejected. He will be banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment.

The organisation retitrated that player safety is of paramount interest. “Player safety is our top priority, and tournaments are advised on security best practices for international sporting events. The WTA is actively working with Emma and her team to ensure her well-being and provide any necessary support.

WTA statement on the security incident in Dubai:On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behavior. This same individual was identified in the first few rows during Emma’s match on Tuesday at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis…

— wta (@WTA) February 19, 2025

“We remain committed to collaborating with tournaments and their security teams worldwide to maintain a safe environment for all players.” Many though, questioned WTA’s security protocal, recalling the infamous Moniac Seles incident, which took place several years ago.

Despite the unfortunate incident at the beginning of the match, the 22-year-old broke back to force a tiebreaker in the first set. However, the Czech Muchova held her nerve to get the better of Raducanu, triumphing eventually 7-6 (8-6), 6-4.

This victory made Muchova the player with the highest winning percentage at a WTA 1000 event, without winning a WTA 1000 title. The Czech will now face American’s McCartney Kessler in the round of 16 clash.

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