Emma Raducanu has released a statement after suffering a terrifying fan ordeal at the Dubai Tennis Championships this week.
The tennis star lost to Karolina Muchova on Tuesday night as emotions got the better of her, breaking down in tears during the match.
It has since emerged that she recognised a fan in the crowd that had previously given her a letter at her hotel before the match, leaving her distressed.
Raducanu has now released a statement on social media, writing on Instagram: "Thank you for the messages of support.
Emma Raducanu was reduced to her tears in her most recent match
Sky Sports
"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.
"Thank you to Karoline for being a great sport and best of luck to her for the rest of the tournament."
It comes after the fan was accused of displaying 'fixated behaviour', giving Raducanu flashbacks to her previous stalker nightmare.
In 2022, the 22-year-old - just 20 at the time - was being stalked by Amrit Magar who sent her love notes to her family home.
He also stole items off her property and left unwanted gifts at her address.
It eventually the 35-year-old man saw him handed a five-year restraining order and he is not the only person who has tried to give her unwanted attention.
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) have also released a statement, writing: "On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behavior.
"This same individual was identified in the first few rows during Emma’s match on Tuesday at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and subsequently ejected.
"He will be banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment.
Emma Raducanu posted a statement on Instagram
"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."
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Emma Raducanu has had horrifying experiences with stalkers in the past
Reuters
Raducanu went on to lose to Muchova on Tuesday night, having ended her losing streak in the previous round of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The Briton had broke down in tears after going 2-0 down in the first set, even momentarily hiding behind the umpire's chair.
Muchova made her way over to console her opponent before the match resumed.
