Emma Raducanu has dropped charges against a man who caused her distress during the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships this week.
Former US Open champion Raducanu was approached and given a letter by the man at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre on Monday.
The same man, suspected of being a stalker, was later ejected from the stands during her second round match on Tuesday.
Raducanu broke down in tears towards the start of the match, approached umpire Miriam Bley and then hid behind the official’s chair.
A WTA statement later revealed that Raducanu had spotted someone who had ‘exhibited fixated behaviour’ on Monday.
She was sufficiently distressed by that incident to report it to on-site security and WTA staff.
The man was detained by police and ‘signed a formal undertaking to maintain distance’ from her.
Dubai authorities issued an update on Thursday. A statement read: ‘Dubai authorities have taken swift action to address an incident involving British tennis star Emma Raducanu, in accordance with local legal protocols.
‘Following Raducanu’s complaint, Dubai Police detained a tourist who approached her, left her a note, took her photograph, and engaged in behaviour that caused her distress during the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
‘While Raducanu later chose to drop the charges, the individual signed a formal undertaking to maintain distance from her and has been banned from future tournaments.
‘Dubai remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors to the emirate.’
More to follow.
