EMMA RADUCANU has spoken out for the first time after being targeted by a man “exhibiting fixated behaviour” at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old broke down in tears during her second round match against Karolina Muchova after spotting the man in the crowd.
GettyEmma Raducanu has issued a message on social media[/caption]
Clearly in distress, she then walked behind the umpire’s chair while the person was ejected.
After being comforted by Muchova, Raducanu returned to her seat before eventually resuming the match.
The Brit went on to lose 7-6, 6-4 on Court 2.
A statement from the WTA subsequently confirmed that the individual had been banned from future events.
It was also revealed that Raducanu had received a letter from the same man at her hotel the previous day.
The former US Open winner has since issued a message on social media regarding the incident, thanking fans for their support.
The 22-year-old took to Instagram to write: “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.
“Thank you to Karolina for being a great sport and best of luck to her for the rest of the tournament.”
WTA representatives have been in contact with Raducanu and her team following the incident.
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