Former US Open Champion Emma Raducanu Breaks Down in Tears After Spotting ‘Fixated’ Man in Crowd

British tennis star Emma Raducanu experienced an emotional breakdown during her second-round match at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on February 18 after spotting a “fixated” man in the crowd.

Incident During the Match

Raducanu, 22, was competing against Czech player Karolina Muchová when she noticed a man in the “first few rows” of the audience. According to a statement from the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) on X, the same individual had approached Raducanu in a public area the day before and exhibited concerning behavior.

As the match progressed, Raducanu became visibly distressed, walking over to the umpire’s chair with tears in her eyes. She placed her hand on the chair while speaking with the umpire before stepping behind it and momentarily disappearing from view. Footage shared by Sky News and The Telegraph showed Muchová, 28, approaching Raducanu to check on her before offering words of comfort.

Security Response and WTA’s Statement

Following the incident, the WTA confirmed that the man was “subsequently ejected” from the venue and will be banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment.

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

The organization also emphasized its commitment to collaborating with tournament security teams worldwide to maintain a safe environment for all players.

Raducanu’s Resilience and Career Achievements

Despite the distressing episode, Raducanu returned to the court and completed the match, though she ultimately lost 7-6 (8-6), 6-4. She was later seen wiping away tears with a towel before resuming play.

Raducanu first gained international recognition in 2021 when she became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam since Virginia Wade in 1977, clinching the US Open title at just 18 years old. That same year, she was named the WTA’s Newcomer of the Year, joining an elite group of past winners that includes tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams.

“To join those names is pretty crazy,” Raducanu told PEOPLE at the time. “I don’t really believe it because they’ve achieved so much. But to be part of that group is a great achievement, and I’m looking forward to building my tour experience and legacy.”

The incident at the Dubai tournament highlights the challenges athletes face both on and off the court, reinforcing the importance of security measures to ensure their safety and well-being.