A man exhibiting “fixated behavior” towards British tennis player Emma Raducanu has been detained and issued a restraining order, according to Dubai Police.

Incident During Dubai Tennis Championships

The unsettling event unfolded during Raducanu’s second-round match at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Tuesday. The 22-year-old athlete was visibly distressed and was seen taking refuge behind the umpire’s chair just two games into her match against Karolina Muchova.

Raducanu had noticed the man sitting in the front rows of the stadium during the match. Reports also revealed that he had approached her in a public area near the tournament on Monday, handing her a letter and taking a photograph.

Dubai Police’s Response

Following Raducanu’s complaint, Dubai Police detained the man. However, she later decided not to press charges.

“After receiving Raducanu’s complaint, Dubai Police detained a tourist who had approached her, handed her a note, taken her photograph, and engaged in behavior that caused her distress,” authorities stated.

While Raducanu chose to drop the charges, the individual signed a formal undertaking to stay away from her and has been banned from future tournaments.

Understanding ‘Fixated Behavior’

The term “fixated behavior,” as cited by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), refers to obsessive, persistent, and often unhealthy actions. In this case, it was used to describe the man’s repeated interactions with Raducanu.

Reports suggest that the letter given to Raducanu contained the man’s name and phone number. She later opened it in her hotel room before reporting her concerns to the WTA. Following this, tournament security teams were alerted on Tuesday afternoon.

Despite the warning, the man managed to enter the small stadium where Raducanu was playing against Muchova that evening.

Distressing Moment During the Match

During the match, Raducanu became visibly emotional upon spotting the man, whom sources claim she had seen “multiple times before.” In a tense moment, she almost hid behind the umpire’s chair before alerting umpire Miriam Bley about the issue. Security promptly removed the man from the venue.

Despite the distressing situation, Raducanu regained her composure and completed the match, ultimately losing 7-6 (8-6), 6-4.

Raducanu’s Response After Leaving Dubai

Following the incident, Raducanu left Dubai and later reassured fans that she was coping well.

“I’m doing OK,” she stated on Wednesday, acknowledging the “difficult circumstances” she had faced.