Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler has spoken out in support of Emma Raducanu following her stalking ordeal in Dubai, stating that such behaviour goes "beyond normal fan interactions".
The 17-year-old world champion, who now requires a minder for his own protection, said: "Obviously the fans wait for us.
"They find out every hotel that we stay at. They want pictures and stuff like that, but when you're getting stalked and followed, that's just hitting a different level to be honest."
Raducanu was visibly distressed during her match against Karolina Muchova at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Tuesday when she spotted a man in the crowd who had approached her at her hotel the previous day.
Luke Littler had a word of advice for Emma Raducanu
PA/Sky Sports
The British tennis star was forced to pause the match and hide behind the umpire's chair.
The man was removed from the stands by security, with the WTA later confirming he had been "exhibiting fixated behaviour" and was subsequently banned from all WTA events.
Littler, who became the youngest darts champion in history last month, empathised with his fellow teenage sports star's situation.
"Players and everyone, they will get pictures. We all know we can't take pictures with everyone, but I think following people, it's a different level," said the darts prodigy.
This isn't Raducanu's first encounter with stalking behaviour.
In 2022, a man was given a five-year restraining order after visiting her house three times following her US Open victory.
Prior to the Dubai incident, Raducanu had expressed keen interest in meeting Littler during the Australian Open last month.
"Amazing respect to him. Big time [interested in meeting Littler]," she said.
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Emma Raducanu's stalker was handed a restraining order this week
Reuters
"I'd love to meet any top athletes and top individuals who have succeeded in their fields."
The tennis star specifically highlighted her interest in darts as a precision sport, adding: "I think darts is such a precision sport that I'd be so keen and interested to hear things that he had to say about it."
Following the incident, Raducanu chose to drop the charges after Dubai authorities took swift action.
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Luke Littler has taken his own measures against fans going too far
PA
The tourist signed a formal undertaking to maintain distance from the tennis star and has been banned from future tournaments.
In a statement on Wednesday, Raducanu addressed the situation: "Thank you for the messages of support.
"Difficult experience yesterday but I'll be okay and proud of how I came back and competed despite what happened at the start of the match."
The Dubai Government affirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors.
