Raducanu waives complaint against man who caused her ‘visible distress’ at Dubai Championships

BEIRUT: British tennis star Emma Raducanu has waived her complaint against an unidentified tourist who caused her “visible distress” during the Dubai Championships earlier this week.
On Thursday, it was reported that the Dubai authorities initiated legal action against the individual, who was identified as a “tourist” and remained unnamed, after the 2021 US Open winner lodged a complaint against him.
Raducanu was playing against 14th-seeded Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic in the second-round on Tuesday evening when she was seen approaching the chair umpire in tears. The WTA later linked her reaction to the presence of the unidentified man, who security personnel removed from the first-row seats and ejected from the stadium.
Dubai Media Office issued a statement on X saying that the emirate’s authorities took swift action to address the incident “in accordance with local legal protocols.”

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…

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 20, 2025

It said: “Following Raducanu’s complaint, Dubai Police detained a tourist who approached her, left her a note, took her photograph, and engaged in behavior 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