Emma Raducanu in tears as a fixated fan banned from future WTA events

A fixated fan has been banned from all future WTA events after British tennis star Emma Raducanu was reduced to tears early in a match in Dubai.

The WTA has moved to ban a man who showed “fixated behaviour” towards British tennis star Emma Raducanu at an event in Dubai.

Raducanu broke down in tears before being dumped out of the desert event at midnight.

The Brit, 22, lost the opening two games of set one against Karolina Muchova in round two of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

She then rushed up to the umpire and hid behind the chair momentarily before drying her eyes with a towel.

A fan – who appeared to shout out something towards Raducanu on court 2 – was then ejected from the venue by security staff.

Emma Raducanu was reduced to tears. Picture: Getty Images

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

The WTA has since made a statement, banning the man from all future WTA events.

“On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behaviour,” 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.

“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.

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

Emma Raducanu is currently ranked No. 61 in the world. Picture: Getty Images

Raducanu quickly resumed the match but had to come from 4-0 down, and then 5-2 behind, to force a tie-break.

Yet she then wasted a set point before falling 1-0 down on the scoreboard after 73 minutes to the former French Open finalist.

Muchova, 28, ended up winning 7-6 6-4 on a day interrupted by rain delays and the No. 14 seed will now play McCartney Kessler, who shocked American world no. 3 Coco Gauff 6-4 7-5.

This was Raducanu’s 13th wildcard in 18 WTA tournaments and her fifth defeat in six matches.

It is unlikely she will take another invitational spot before heading to the US hard courts of Indian Wells and Miami next month.

This article first appeared in the Sun and has been republished with permission

Originally published as Emma Raducanu in tears as a fixated fan banned from future WTA events