Iga Swiatek Speaks Out After Spectator Ejected from Emma Raducanu’s Match
Iga Swiatek has addressed the troubling incident that led to a spectator being removed from Emma Raducanu’s second-round match at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Tuesday night.
The world No. 2 also revealed that she once narrowly avoided a similar “scary” fan encounter and emphasized the importance of player safety.
Raducanu’s Match Disrupted by Distressed Encounter
Raducanu became visibly upset just two games into her match against Karolina Muchova, breaking down in tears as she approached the umpire.
The WTA later confirmed that a man exhibiting “fixated behaviour” toward Raducanu had been spotted in the stands and was subsequently ejected and banned from future WTA events.
“On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behaviour,” the WTA said in a statement. “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.”
Swiatek Supports WTA’s Response, Recalls Her Own Experience
Speaking after her quarter-final victory in Dubai, Swiatek revealed that she had a near-miss with a potentially threatening situation while hosting an event in Poland.
“We were able to avoid one incident that might have been scary back in the day when I was hosting my own event in Poland,” the five-time Grand Slam champion shared.
While acknowledging that some fans may not have bad intentions, Swiatek stressed that public figures must remain alert to potential threats.
“Obviously, we are public persons, so we should always keep our eyes open and be ready to react if we feel uncomfortable. I’m sure it must have been tough for Emma,” she added.
Swiatek also praised the WTA for their swift response, saying, “I know the WTA banned this person from going on-site at any tournament. So I guess the reaction was pretty solid. It’s the WTA’s responsibility to keep us safe, and with their help, I think it’s fine. But it’s hard to completely avoid these situations beforehand.”
Swiatek’s Measures for Personal Safety
Beyond on-site security, Swiatek revealed that she has taken extra precautions on social media to protect her privacy.
“I try for my Instagram feed to be up to date, but sometimes we post a day after I’ve left a place or after an event has ended,” she explained.
She also highlighted additional steps taken when staying at hotels, ensuring secure accommodations and alternative entrances when needed.
“It all depends on the situation, but usually, people are helpful because they understand that I’m in a position where I’m kind of exposed,” she noted.
With player security increasingly in focus, Swiatek’s comments reinforce the need for vigilance and protective measures—both on and off the court.
