Dubai detains tourist after Raducanu incident at tennis championship

Dubai: Dubai authorities swiftly acted on British tennis star Emma Raducanu’s complaint, detaining a tourist for distressing behavior during the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

According to a statement by the Dubai Media Office, the individual approached Raducanu, took her photo, left a note, and caused her discomfort.

While Raducanu later dropped the charges, the tourist signed an undertaking to stay away from her and was banned from future tournaments.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors.

On Tuesday, Raducanu was reduced to tears after she was targeted by “a man who exhibited fixated behaviour” during her match against Karolina Muchova.

The 22-year-old Briton immediately approached the umpire, then briefly took refuge behind the umpire’s chair.

Muchova went over to see what was wrong before the 2021 New York champion Raducanu reappeared, wiping away tears with her towel.

The Women’s Tennis Association said in a statement. “On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behaviour.

“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.”

The WTA said in its statement that it “is actively working with Emma and her team to ensure her well-being and provide any necessary support”.

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