What’s a tennis match if players can’t feel safe? Emma Raducanu‘s recent tearful encounter in Dubai, spotting a “fixated” fan who had approached her earlier, has put the spotlight back on the WTA’s responsibility to ensure player safety. This is especially poignant considering the 2021 US Open champion already has a restraining order against a man from 2022. Raducanu isn’t alone; players like Serena Williams, Katie Boulter, and Monica Seles have all shared their own unsettling experiences with stalkers. Amidst this, the World No. 2 Iga Swiatek can’t help but be concerned for the well-being of her fellow players.

During her second-round match against Karolina Muchova, Raducanu became visibly distressed, even seeking refuge behind the umpire’s chair. A man who had previously exhibited “fixated behavior” towards her was spotted in the crowd, prompting his removal. The WTA swiftly responded, banning him from all WTA events pending a threat assessment and stating, “Player safety is our top priority, and tournaments are advised on security best practices for international sporting events. 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.”

Following the incident, Swiatek spoke with The National on Wednesday, sharing her thoughts: “I know the WTA banned this person from going on-site anywhere on any tournament. So I guess the reaction was pretty solid. I like that because it’s WTA’s responsibility to keep us safe, for that environment to be safe for us.” Swiatek also revealed a potentially scary encounter with a fan at a charity event she hosted in Poland back in 2022. She emphasized the need for players to be vigilant and report anything that makes them feel uneasy.

Swiatek advised players to be aware of their surroundings and delay sharing their locations on social media until they’ve left the area. “We were able to avoid one incident that might have been scary back in the day when I was hosting my own event in Poland. There are fans that are kind of, I don’t know, everywhere. But I’m pretty sure that they don’t have any bad intentions,” she explained. Still, these situations can be terrifying and concerning for their general safety while on tour. As Swiatek phrased it, “I’m sure it must have been tough for Emma.”

Raducanu addressed the incident on her Instagram story, thanking fans for their support and acknowledging Muchova’s sportsmanship. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges these athletes face. Mirra Andreeva, Swiatek’s next opponent at the Dubai Championships, echoed this sentiment, sharing her own disturbing experiences with online threats and the constant presence of security.

Mirra Andreeva shares her disturbing fan experience on social media

In the wake of Emma Raducanu’s distressing experience in Dubai, the tennis community is rallying around her. Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva opened up about the disturbing threats she received online while competing on the ITF circuit, highlighting a pervasive issue that many players face.

The 17-year-old revealed that hate messages from sports bettors are almost a daily occurrence for tennis players. She stated, “After every loss, I think every player receives a bunch of hateful messages.” One particularly chilling message from when she was just 14 years old still haunts her: “Look around because I’m going to find you and I’m going to cut your arms.” Despite these challenges, Andreeva feels safe at tournaments, often surrounded by security during autograph signings.

Additionally, the WTA is actively collaborating with tournament organizers to improve security protocols. They are advising on best practices for ensuring player safety and are working closely with security teams at events worldwide. In the meantime, the tournament will continue with Iga Swiatek taking on Andreeva in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Duty Free Championships. Perhaps they can find solace in the fact that the org is behind them during their scary time. What’s your take on this?