Emma Radukanu revealed that she “cries and couldn't see the ball” and was able to “barely breathe” during the stalker's ordeal at the Dubai Open last month.
Briton, 22, continued his co-co into the back of the referee's chair after repeatedly giving unnecessary attention from a “fixed” man before and after the second round match against Karolina Mciba.
Radkanu told reporters: “I was clearly very distraught. I saw him in the first game of the match, but I don't know how to finish. I literally couldn't see the ball through tears. I was able to breathe barely. I seemed to need to take a breather here.”
Radkanu revealed that she had been approaching the court twice before.
The former US Open Champion was talking to the media ahead of the start of the Indian Wells' BNP Paribas Open.
This incident occurred early in the first set of Muchova Match. She reorganized to play after the man was taken out of the arena, but lost 7-6, 6-4. She later chose not to press the fee, but individuals are banned from future tournaments.
“It was a very emotional time,” Radkanu said. “After the match, I shed tears, not necessarily because I lost. There was so much emotion in the final weeks of the event and I had to take a break that week and get some breather and come here. I felt better.”
Radukanu faces Japan's Mizushima, ranked third above her at the 52nd in the world in California's first round. The winner is guaranteed to face the third seed, Coco Gauff, with all top 32 players receiving goodbye until the second round.
