Raducanu Opens Up About Terrifying Stalker Ordeal in Dubai
Emma Raducanu has revealed the emotional and physical toll she endured during a disturbing stalker incident at the Dubai Championships, where she struggled to breathe and see the ball through tears while competing in her second-round match against Karolina Muchova.
The former U.S. Open champion, now 22 years old, described the moment she spotted the man in the first game of the match, instantly feeling overwhelmed.
“I was obviously very distraught,” Raducanu shared while speaking in Indian Wells, where she is returning with enhanced security following the ordeal.
“I saw him in the first game of the match, and I was like, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to finish.’ I literally couldn’t see the ball through tears. I could barely breathe. I just needed to take a breather.”
Her distress was evident to fans and officials, as she took shelter behind the umpire’s chair, waiting for security to escort the man out. Despite the unsettling distraction, Raducanu chose to continue playing, ultimately falling 7-6(6), 6-4 to Muchova.
A Pattern of Unwanted Attention
Raducanu later revealed that the same man had approached her twice off the court in Dubai before the match. More disturbingly, she realized he had been following her across multiple tournaments in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Doha in the preceding weeks.
Dubai authorities detained the man, and while Raducanu initially considered pressing charges, she later decided to drop the case. However, the WTA has since banned the individual from attending all future tournaments, ensuring she will not encounter him again on the professional circuit.
Taking Time to Heal
After the incident, Raducanu took a week off from competition to recover mentally and emotionally.
“It was a very emotional time,” she admitted. “After the match, I broke down in tears—not necessarily because I lost, but because of everything that had been happening in the last few weeks. I just needed that time off to reset.”
Now, feeling stronger and more secure, Raducanu is back on tour and ready to compete at Indian Wells. She will begin her campaign against Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima, with a potential blockbuster matchup against third-seed Coco Gauff awaiting her in the second round.
