Emma Raducanu was targeted by a man displaying "fixated behaviour" during her second-round loss to Karolina Muchova at the Dubai Tennis Championships, the WTA confirmed.
The 22-year-old Briton was visibly distressed two games into the match, hiding behind the umpire’s chair before alerting officials to the situation.
The WTA stated that the man had approached Raducanu in a public area a day earlier and was later spotted in the stands during her match.
He was subsequently ejected and banned from all WTA events, pending a threat assessment.
Muchova consoled Raducanu as security removed the individual from court three. Raducanu resumed play to a warm reception but eventually lost 7-6 (8-6), 6-4.
The incident raises fresh concerns over player safety, with the WTA reaffirming its commitment to ensuring secure environments at tournaments.
Raducanu previously faced harassment in 2022 when a man received a five-year restraining order for stalking her.
"The WTA is actively working with Emma and her team to ensure her well-being," the governing body said in a statement.
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