Emma Raducanu has been flooded with support from tennis fans after she was targeted by a man with ‘fixated behaviour’ during her defeat to Karolina Muchova in Dubai last night.
The 22-year-old had gone into the showdown on a high after beating Maria Sakkari in straight sets on Sunday.
But Raducanu was sent crashing out of the Dubai Tennis Championships after losing 6-7, 4-6 in the Middle East.
During the clash, the Briton broke down in tears.
Emma Raducanu has been flooded with support from tennis fans after she was targeted by a man with ‘fixated behaviour’ during her defeat to Karolina Muchova in Dubai last night
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The WTA later released a statement saying that a man with ‘fixated behaviour’ had been banned from attending matches after causing her distress on the court.
Their statement read: “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 Championships and subsequently ejected.
“He will be banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment.
JUST IN: Emma Raducanu targeted by man with ‘fixated behaviour’ in horrifying ordeal as WTA issue statement
“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.”
And tennis fans have now showed support for Raducanu amid her distressing ordeal.
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One user on X wrote: “This is scary and an awful experience for Emma, especially as she had to go to court in 2022 against a man who was stalking her and became obsessed with her after she won the US open 2021.
“I’m glad @WTA have banned this man and immense courage for Emma for playing, security for all players needs to be increased ASAP in my opinion.”
A second stated: “That’s what I thought it was because she was hiding behind the chair in fear.
“I felt so bad for Raducanu and loved that Muchova went over there to console her.
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“This shouldn’t be happening to a tennis player. Liked how it was done quick to remove the person from the stands.”
Another wrote: “Wow, sorry to hear that for her. What a distraction for her and great job from the staff protecting the players.”
A fourth wrote: “I feel sorry for Emma she gets internet hate for not winning and then is dealing w this stuff behind the scenes.”
A fifth opined: “Poor Emma. Even after this incident, she still fought like a warrior, scored one more point than the opponent!!! Very well done!!!”
Emma Raducanu put up a valiant fight during her defeat in Dubai on Tuesday night
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And a sixth wrote: “That is really awful.
“Emma did so well to keep going and played so well. Just hope this thing doesn’t happen again.”
While Raducanu crashed out in Dubai, she did herself proud by causing Muchova issues on the night.
The Czech tennis star will now face McCartney Kessler in the round of 16.