British tennis star Emma Raducanu has revealed a harrowing encounter during her latest match in Dubai, when she was unable to see the ball through tears after being stalked. The 21-year-old player was left visibly disturbed after a spectator in the stands displayed “fixated behavior,” which caused extreme distress as she tried to concentrate on her match.
The man had been stalking Raducanu during the tournament, and according to reports, this raised increased security issues. Witnesses explained the disturbing incident, saying that the man’s constant presence and bizarre behavior made the young star feel more and more uncomfortable. As much as she tried to focus, the emotional strain of the experience became too much, and it impacted her game on the court.
Raducanu has been under public scrutiny and huge pressure ever since her meteoric rise to stardom following her victory at the 2021 US Open. But this latest experience has once again sparked debate regarding the safety of sportspeople, particularly women players, who are often subjected to overzealous fans and invasion of privacy. Security personnel at top tournaments are now being asked to take extra measures to safeguard players from such attacks.
Dubi authorities are said to be investigating the incident, while the Raducanu camp is closely coordinating with Dubai tournament officials to prevent a repeat of the incident in forthcoming events. Players and fans have rallied behind the young sensation, commending her strength and bravery for coming forward regarding the emotional aftermath of the harrowing experience.
