Emma Raducanu thanks fans for support after being approached by man displaying 'fixated behaviour'

Emma Raducanu has thanked fans for their messages of support on social media after the "difficult experience" of being approached by a man displaying fixated behaviour ahead of her defeat to Karolina Muchova in the Dubai Tennis Championships.

The British star appeared to be in tears as she went to the umpire's chair after the second game of her rain-delayed, second-round match on Tuesday. She regained her composure but could not prevent a second-round defeat.

A Women's Tennis Association statement on the incident read: "On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behaviour.

"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.

"Player safety is our top priority, and tournaments are advised on security best practices for international sporting events.

"The WTA is actively working with Emma and her team to ensure her well-being and provide any necessary support.

"We remain committed to collaborating with tournaments and their security teams worldwide to maintain a safe environment for all players."

Raducanu has now released a statement on social media.

She wrote on Instagram: "Thank you for the messages of support.

"Difficult experience yesterday but I'll be okay and proud of how I came back and competed despite what happened at the start of the match.

"Thank you to Karoline for being a great sport and best of luck to her for the rest of the tournament."