Sports News | Raducanu Loses to Muchova After a Spectator is Ejected in Dubai
Get latest articles and stories on Sports at LatestLY. Emma Raducanu lost to Karolina Muchova after an emotional first set in which a spectator was ejected at the Dubai Championships.
Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Feb 19 (AP) Emma Raducanu lost to Karolina Muchova after an emotional first set in which a spectator was ejected at the Dubai Championships.
The 2021 U.S. Open champion appeared to be in tears as she went to the umpire's chair after the second game Tuesday and her second-round match was briefly paused on Court 2.
Also Read | Milind Rege Dies: Former Mumbai Captain Passes Away Aged 76 After Multiple Organ Failure.
After speaking to the umpire, who immediately called tournament organizers, Raducanu stood in a small space between the official's chair and courtside screening for a few seconds before Muchova moved over to console her.
Raducanu then picked up a towel, wiped her face, nodded and continued the match.
Also Read | Andy Murray To Continue As Novak Djokovic's Coach Likely Through French Open 2025.
The British player rallied from 4-0 down to force a tiebreaker but eventually lost 7-6 (6), 6-4 to Muchova.
Organizers of the women's tour issued a statement later saying Raducanu was approached Monday “by a man who exhibited fixated behavior” in a public space and “this same individual was identified in the first few rows during Emma's match on Tuesday ... and subsequently ejected.”
"He will be banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment.
The WTA said it was working with Raducanu and her team “to ensure her well-being and provide any necessary support.”
The 14th-seeded Muchova advanced to a meeting against No. 53-ranked McCartney Kessler, who upset 2023 U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff 6-4, 7-5.
Third-ranked Gauff hadn't fallen to an opponent ranked outside the top 50 since a loss to Sofia Kenin (128th) at Wimbledon in 2023.
Earlier, second-seeded Iga Swiatek beat Victoria Azarenka 6-0, 6-2 and will next face Dayana Yastremska for a spot int the quarterfinals.
Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka eliminated Veronia Kudermetova 6-3, 6-4, and defending champion Jasmine Paolini defeated Eva Lys 6-2, 7-5.
Elena Rybakina , Jessica Pegula and Paula Badosa also advanced. (AP)
(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)