British tennis pro Emma Raducanu was shut down by an umpire after complaining about a crying child in the stands.
In a clip shared via ESPN’s TikTok account on Tuesday, August 12, Raducanu, 22, was seen asking the umpire during her Cincinnati Open round of 32 match against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to address the noise.
Raducanu, who was defeated by the Belarus sensation in three sets, was first seen attempting to serve before the video ran text which read “child cries,” causing her to halt her game. (The crying is not detectable via the video’s audio.)
She was then seen saying to the umpire, “It’s been, like, ten minutes,” to which the official responded, “It’s a child. Do you want me to send the child out of the stadium?”
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The umpire’s sarcastic suggestion drew several “yes” responses from the crowd, leading Raducanu, who is currently ranked World No. 39, to shrug her shoulders and laugh while gesturing to fans, allowing their words to speak for her.
“I can call in, but we need to continue for the moment,” the umpire concluded before the video cut short.
The TikTok post attracted more than 800 comments that both agreed and disagreed with Raducanu’s complaint. “Baby won’t even remember this game like why bring them,” wrote one commenter, while another argued, “I thought the difference between professionals and amateurs was they were able to block stuff like that out.”
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Raducanu is no stranger to attracting headlines, recently addressing speculation over her personal life.
Responding to rumors of a romance with fellow tennis player Carlos Alcaraz from Spain, Raducanu said during a pre-Wimbledon press conference on June 28, “We’re just good friends.”
Rumors swirled just prior to the British tournament after it was announced that Raducanu and Alcarez, also 22, will partner in the forthcoming U.S. Open’s mixed doubles event.
Raducanu told the BBC in June that teaming up professionally was Alcaraz’s idea. “He asked me earlier on in the year and I was very surprised and honored and obviously excited,” she said during an interview with the outlet on June 24. “I just went through the formality of asking my coach. But of course I was going to say yes.” (Alcaraz is currently ranked World No. 2 in the men’s competition.)
The interview also saw her poke fun at online chatter over their growing friendship. “I’m glad the internet is having fun and we’re providing some entertainment for everyone,” she told the outlet before explaining that they’ve known each other for years.
“We go back a long way,” she said at the time.
