Tennis
Raducanu’s seven-word response to claims she ruined Murray’s Wimbledon farewell
Emma Raducanu’s decision to pull out of the mixed doubles cost Andy Murray the chance of playing at Wimbledon one last time as the young Brit cops heat for doing so
Emma Raducanu insists “I just had to put myself first” after her withdrawal from the mixed doubles at Wimbledon effectively ended Andy Murray’s legendary career at the All-England club.
The Scot chose not to play in the singles and was then knocked out early in the mens’ doubles, where he played with his brother Jamie. It meant that playing alongside Raducanu was his last hope of making amends at SW19, but the 21-year-old pulled out late on amid an injury fear.
She wanted to focus on her singles’ efforts, which were ended in the fourth round on Sunday by Lulu Sun. Raducanu was managing a wrist issue and maintains that every player would’ve done the same thing in her position despite the sentiment surrounding Murray.
She said: “I didn’t want to take his last match away from him. But at the end of the day I think a lot of the players in a similar situation would have done the same thing, prioritising their body.
“I still stand by making the right call. He was obviously disappointed because it’s his last match [at Wimbledon]. But what a champion. I think that hopefully he’ll play in the Olympics and have another farewell there.
“I think with every decision, people are entitled to their opinions. Of course, there was a bit of a cloud it. I don’t think I would have done it any other way. I think in this sport especially, as an individual, you have to make your own calls and prioritise yourself. Especially with my history, I just had to put myself first.”
Murray, in the aftermath of his doubles loss alongside his brother, did receive a Centre Court farewell as he reflected on his successful career with a number of legends making their way down to applaud him in person.
British fans though were hopeful of a fairytale ending alongside Raducanu and some on social media have claimed she “ruined” his farewell at SW19. Another claimed after she said “it was her dream to play with Murray” that the former US Open should’ve turned up in the doubles.
After withdrawing from the mixed doubles and passing up the chance to play alongside Murray one broadcaster labelled the decision ‘astonishing’ and added: “It means Murray has played his last match at Wimbledon. Oh dear.” Murray’s mother Judy chose to reply and simply wrote: “Yes, astonishing.”
She later clarified those comments, adding: “Not sure anyone understands sarcasm these days. Pretty sure the scheduling (4th match court 1 with a singles following day) will have played a major part in any decision making.”
The two-time champion is expected to call time on his career later this year, though he is part of the Team GB squad as he aims to bow out with Olympic gold in Paris.
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