A spectator who demonstrated "fixated behaviour" has been banned from attending future WTA matches after his alleged stalking antics brought Britain's Emma Raducanu to tears on court in Dubai.
The 2021 US Open champion bowed out of the Dubai Duty Free Championships to 14th seed Karolína Muchová 7-6(6) 6-4.
Ravaged with injuries for the past few years, Raducanu hasn't had it easy in her quest to climb back up the summit of women's tennis.
During her match against Muchová after two games in the first set, the 22-year-old conversed with chair umpire Miriam Bley as she broke down in tears.
Bley transferred Raducanu's message through her radio device, as it was later revealed that a man who was stalking her was the reason for the Brit's emotional breakdown.
"On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behaviour," said the WTA in a statement.
"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."
Unaware of what was happening, Muchová soon realised the situation and consoled Raducanu.
Since the incident, the WTA has also outlined that safety and mental health are a "top priority" to help protect the players.
"Player safety is our top priority, and tournaments are advised on security best practices for international sporting events," the WTA said.
"The WTA is actively working with Emma and her team to ensure her well-being and provide any necessary support.
"We remain committed to collaborating with tournaments and their security teams worldwide to maintain a safe environment for all players."
Play USA Tennis Pathways supports athletes who want to go down the college pathway, assisting players to get recruited to a college that meets their academic and athletic goals. If you are a player, parent, or coach and are interested in the college pathway in the United States, contact Lachlan Puyol at playusatennispathways@gmail.com
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