Emma Raducanu mentioned she went by way of “a difficult experience” on Tuesday but in addition thanked the Dubai organizers, the WTA, and Karolina Muchova for the best way they reacted.
Two video games into her Dubai second-round match, the 22-year-old approached the chair umpire – she regarded scared and distressed – and even hid behind the umpire’s chair at one level.
After the event officers had been alerted, it was revealed that the Briton noticed within the entrance row units the identical man who stalked her a day earlier.
The particular person in query was thrown out of the stadium and the WTA later banned the person from attending tournaments.
It’s value mentioning that when Raducanu stopped the play and regarded scared, Muchova approached her to ask what was going after which she began consoling the 2021 US Open champion.
Raducanu: A troublesome expertise… Thanks Karolina for being a superb sport
“Thank you for the messages of support. Difficult experience yesterday but I’ll be okay and proud of how I came back and competed despite what happened at the start of the match,” the Briton wrote in a message posted on her Instagram Story.
“Thank you to Karolína for being a great sport and best of luck to her for the rest of the tournament.”
Emma Raducanu message© Emma Raducanu/Instagram – Honest Use
In the meantime, the WTA shortly reacted.
“He will be banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment,” the WTA mentioned of their assertion after the match.
“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 crew to make sure her well-being and supply any mandatory assist.”
The Dubai organizers additionally launched a press release, during which they condemned the habits of the stalker and likewise mentioned that they absolutely supported the WTA’s determination.
In the identical message, in addition they mentioned they had been trying ahead to welcoming Raducanu again to the event subsequent yr.
