Dubai Police Detain Tourist Following Distressing Incident Involving Tennis Star Emma Raducanu
A man exhibiting fixated behavior towards Raducanu during the Dubai Tennis Championships has been apprehended and banned from WTA events.
Dubai Police have detained a tourist who engaged in behavior deemed distressing towards British tennis star Emma Raducanu during the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The incident occurred on February 18, when the 22-year-old athlete approached the chair umpire during her second-round match against Karolina Muchova, visibly distressed and in tears.
In response to Raducanu’s complaint, authorities acted swiftly to address the situation.
According to a statement from Dubai's media office, the individual had taken photographs of Raducanu and left her a note, prompting her immediate distress.
Following the incident, the tournament organizers ejected the man from the stands.
The athlete, who achieved notable success as the 2021 US Open champion, later opted to drop charges against the individual, who has since been identified as a repeat offender.
Despite this, he has been banned from all Women's Tennis Association (WTA) events while a threat assessment is conducted.
He has also signed a formal undertaking to maintain distance from Raducanu.
In a statement regarding the situation, the Women’s Tennis Association expressed its commitment to working closely with Raducanu and her team to ensure her well-being and provide necessary support.
Raducanu addressed her fans on Instagram, assuring them that she would be fine after the difficult experience.
She expressed pride in her ability to compete during the match despite the unsettling circumstances, also congratulating Muchova on her sportsmanship.
In a separate incident, Dubai Police have apprehended a motorcycle rider who was filmed performing dangerous stunts at speeds exceeding 300 km/h on two different motorcycles.
Major General Saif Mahir Al Mazrouei, Director of the General Department of Traffic, reported that the police conducted a thorough investigation in collaboration with the General Department of Criminal Investigation after two videos surfaced online showing the rider engaging in hazardous behavior across various locations in the emirate.
The footage depicted him not only speeding dangerously but also performing stunts that endangered his life and the safety of others.
The rider attempted to conceal his identity to evade police detection; however, Dubai Police utilized advanced technologies and investigative expertise to successfully identify and apprehend him.
He has been referred for legal action and fined under Decree No. 30 of 2023, which outlines a Dh50,000 release fee for impounded vehicles.
The motorcycle used in the stunts has also been impounded.
Major General Al Mazrouei warned the public about the severe risks associated with reckless driving and motorcycle stunts, highlighting that statistics show such actions significantly contribute to serious traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
He reiterated the police’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all road users and encouraged the community to report dangerous behavior via the Dubai Police app or the hotline.