DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Emma Raducanu lost to Karolina Muchova after an emotional first set in which a spectator was ejected at the Dubai Championships.
The 2021 U.S. Open champion appeared to be in tears as she went to the umpire’s chair after the second game Tuesday and her second-round match was briefly paused on Court 2.
After speaking to the umpire, who immediately called tournament organizers, Raducanu stood in a small space between the official’s chair and courtside screening before Muchova moved over to console her.
Raducanu then picked up a towel, wiped her face, nodded and continued the match.
The British player rallied from 4-0 down to force a tiebreaker but eventually lost 7-6 (6), 6-4 to Muchova.
Organizers of the women’s tour issued a statement later saying Raducanu was approached in a public space Monday “by a man who exhibited fixated behavior” and “this same individual was identified in the first few rows during Emma’s match on Tuesday ... and subsequently ejected.”
"He will be banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment.
The WTA said it was working with Raducanu and her team “to ensure her well-being and provide any necessary support.”
A man who stalked Raducanu while she was still a teenager was sentenced to an 18-month community service order and given a five-year restraining order after appearing in a British court in 2022.
Amrit Magar, a former delivery driver from London, went to Raducanu’s home on three separate dates, loitered outside, left unwanted gifts and cards, and stole property.
Raducanu rose to fame in 2021 by winning the U.S. Open as a qualifier, one of the the most unlikely achievements in tennis. She hasn't been past the third round at a major since then and has spent long stints recovering from injuries.
The 14th-seeded Muchova advanced to a meeting against No. 53-ranked McCartney Kessler, who upset 2023 U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff 6-4, 7-5.
Third-ranked Gauff hadn't fallen to an opponent ranked outside the top 50 since a loss to Sofia Kenin (128th) at Wimbledon in 2023.
Earlier, second-seeded Iga Swiatek beat Victoria Azarenka 6-0, 6-2 and will next face Dayana Yastremska for a spot int the quarterfinals.
Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka eliminated Veronia Kudermetova 6-3, 6-4, and defending champion Jasmine Paolini defeated Eva Lys 6-2, 7-5.
Elena Rybakina , Jessica Pegula and Paula Badosa also advanced.
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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
The Associated Press
