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Emma Raducanu withdrew from the mixed doubles event on the eve of her fourth-round singles loss to Sun Lulu, a decision that ended Andy Murray’s Wimbledon career.
Raducanu was due to play former Wimbledon champion Murray on Saturday but opted out due to wrist stiffness.
The 2021 U.S. Open champion was looking to avoid exacerbating the problem before losing to New Zealand qualifier Son Heung-min 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 on Centre Court on Sunday.
But the move sparked criticism as it dashed Murray’s hopes of making one final appearance at the All England Club.
The two-time Wimbledon champion was unable to compete in the men’s singles event as he has not fully recovered from spinal cyst surgery, while he lost in the first round of the men’s doubles event with his brother Jamie.
Murray was said to be disappointed with Raducanu’s withdrawal, with the former world number one’s mother Judy calling the move “shocking” on X, although she later claimed she was being sarcastic and understood the 21-year-old’s decision.
Asked if he regretted the move that ruined Murray’s Wimbledon farewell match, Raducanu said: “I just woke up yesterday morning and I felt stiff. I have to focus on myself, my singles and my body.”
“Of course, I don’t want to deprive him of his last game. But at the end of the day, I think a lot of players in a similar situation would do the same thing and prioritize their body.
“I stand by the decision. Yes, but it was obviously a difficult decision.”
Murray will play his final match of his career at the Paris Olympics, which opens in late July.
– ‘Put yourself first’ –
“People have the right to express their opinions. Of course, this decision is still a bit unpleasant,” she said.
“I think, especially in this sport, as an individual, you have to take charge of yourself and put yourself first. Especially with my history, I have to put myself first.”
“Obviously disappointed because it was his last race. But yeah, he’s such a champion. I hope he can go to the Olympics and have another farewell race there.”
In response to a question from Murray’s mother, Raducanu added: “I didn’t see her reaction, so I don’t know. Was she being sarcastic? I’m sure she didn’t mean it.”
Raducanu came into Wimbledon in good form after a period of slump following her fairytale triumph at the US Open at age 18.
But having fallen out of the top 100, she still needs a wildcard to play in singles, making it difficult for her to imagine an eventual scheduling conflict between singles and mixed doubles.
“I think going into the tournament I didn’t expect myself to get to the fourth round. So for me it was a no-brainer. I wanted to play with him so badly,” she said.
“He didn’t ask me, if you were still playing singles, would you still play? It was never a question that needed to be answered.”
Ironically, Raducanu was also troubled by other injuries during her loss to Sun Yang, with back and ankle problems causing her to be eliminated in the round of 16.
Despite the frustrating end to her Wimbledon run, Raducanu has finally rediscovered her passion for the sport.
“It’s made me more determined to be honest. I think in the last few weeks I’ve really put myself first. Tennis is the only thing that really takes up my time and energy. It’s really all I want to do,” she said.
“I think the desire and passion is back. I just want to continue to build on it.”
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