Emma Raducanu’s losing streak in 2025 continued at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Although the former World No.10 had a good start in the first-round encounter, registering a win on Sunday, she failed to extend her momentum on Tuesday. Playing against Czechia’s Karolina Muchova, the Brit presented a tough challenge. However, Muchova ultimately ousted her with a score line of 7-6(6), 6-4. This match also left Raducanu in tears. No, it wasn’t due to her inability to win but because of a scary, potentially stalking situation that prompted strict and quick action by the WTA.

After the second game, in the R32 match between Muchova and Raducanu, the play was halted. Reason? Well, it turned out a potential stalker was identified in the stadium. According to WTA’s official statement, the 22-year-old Brit “was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behavior.” Later, the same person was spotted in the stands as well “during Emma’s match on Tuesday at the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships and subsequently ejected.” After WTA’s intervention, it’s been revealed that he “will be banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment.”

Raducanu appeared to be in tears while hiding behind the chair umpire when the match was paused briefly. Seeing her cry, her opponent Muchova walked toward her in order to console her before the play was resumed. Additionally, the governing body of women’s tennis mentioned that the safety of all the players is its top priority. “We remain committed to collaborating with tournaments and their security teams worldwide to maintain a safe environment for all players.”

Further, the WTA also reiterated that it’s actively “working with Emma and her team to ensure her well-being and provide any necessary support.” Raducanu will need a lot of support, indeed, considering it’s not the first time she’s been “creeped out” by someone. One reason why she burst into tears on Tuesday could be related to a harrowing experience from three years ago. Its impact was such that she couldn’t feel safe at her own house!

When Emma Raducanu felt unsafe at home

After rising to instant stardom following her historic 2021 US Open victory, Emma Raducanu became a household name. With the win, also came rapid fame and a huge fan following. But it also meant getting exposed to unwanted attention from people. Such an incident took place in January 2022.

A man named Amrit Magar, 35, who was a former Amazon delivery driver was issued a five-year restraining order. He was sentenced to community service due to stalking and harassing Raducanu. Apparently, this man visited her house on three occasions and even stole her father’s shoe as a souvenir, assuming it was hers. It was reported that he became obsessed with the then-19-year-old tennis sensation after watching her on TV.

After this nightmarish incident, Raducanu said, “I have felt creeped out. I feel very apprehensive if I go out, especially if I am on my own,” reported Daily Mail in January 2022. She was left emotionally broken. So much so, that she thought as if her “freedom has been taken away”

“I feel on edge and worried this could happen again. I don’t feel safe in my own home which is where I should feel safest,” she added. The Brit even expressed an immediate urge to “move to a new house with better security because I am worried he might come back as he knows where my home is.” After Tuesday’s harrowing incident, Raducanu’s avid fans will wish for her to stay strong and safe.