Judy Murray has clarified the criticism she felt towards Emma Raducanu for withdrawing from the mixed doubles at Wimbledon.
Raducanu was due to play Andy Murray on Saturday evening but withdrew hours earlier, citing pain in his right wrist, bringing the Scot’s Wimbledon career to an untimely and unfortunate end.
Murray is understood to be devastated by the situation, and his mother Judy reacted quickly on social media site X, replying to a message describing the decision as ‘amazing’ with a two-word reply: “Yes, amazing.”
It was seen as criticism of the 21-year-old Raducanu, who will play his fourth singles match on Sunday evening at the Center Court.
But on Sunday morning Murray sent another message, instead of pointing the finger at the schedule, saying: “Not sure anyone understands the sarcasm today. in any decision making.”
Former British No 1 Greg Rusedski, meanwhile, immediately supported Raducanu’s decision, writing on X: “More than anyone knows @EmmaRaducanu has pulled out of mixed doubles. No need to take risks with wrists.”
Murray and Raducanu won’t start their match against Zhang Shuai and Marcelo Arevalo until around 8 p.m., which may leave them with media obligations and other post-match duties until midnight.
Wimbledon had no choice, but Arevalo had to finish the men’s doubles match in the afternoon and the bad weather had postponed the singles competition, which took priority over the doubles in the schedule.
The situation is very unfortunate because the momentum of Raducanu, who finally seems to be alive on tour, has been building on the court for the past few weeks.
His main priority is to make sure his wrist, which he had surgery on last year, is no longer a big problem and that this saga doesn’t ruin his singles. He practiced as scheduled on Saturday but with tape around the joint.
Come to think of it, he probably reflected that he would have had to decline Murray’s invitation, even if he wanted to accept it, to avoid any possible outcome.
England last standing
Raducanu will record his best Wimbledon result if he wins his fourth-round match on Sunday.
Comparisons have been made for the US Open title in 2021 after defeating ninth seed Maria Sakkari on Friday.
But this time, she will be the only one to challenge the qualifiers as she takes on New Zealand 123 champion Lulu Sun, who won three matches in Roehampton to make the main draw before beating eighth seed Zheng Qinwen in the first round.
Raducanu will start as favorite but his wrist could be a concern, while he can expect to face questions about his decision to withdraw from mixed doubles.
What’s next for Sky Sports Tennis?
Ahead of the last Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you can watch all the biggest tennis stars in action. live on Sky Sports they are competing in the hard-court season.
- Hamburg Open (ATP 500) July 15-21
- Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) July 15-21
- Swiss Open (ATP 250) July 15-21
- Bastad Open (ATP 250) July 15-21
- Palermo Ladies Open (WTA 250) July 15-21
- Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) July 15-21
- Prague Open (WTA 250) July 21-26
Watch the WTA and ATP Tour throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with Sports Month Membership NOW. No contract, cancel anytime.