Emma Raducanu’s 11-word reaction to Judy Murray’s ‘astonishing’ Wimbledon swipe

Emma Raducanu has been forced to defend her decision to pull out of the mixed doubles and Andy Murray’s likely Wimbledon swan song.

Emma Raducanu defended her decision to snub mixed doubles with Andy Murray as she bowed out of Wimbledon singles.

The 21-year-old Brit withdrew from a Box Office pairing with the 37-year-old Murray on Saturday night after waking up with a stiff right wrist.

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She feels it was the right call to quit the doubles even though it meant Murray’s Wimbledon career was over.

This evening she lost 6-2 5-7 6-2 to New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun in the last 16 – the final Brit to exit the two singles draws.

Raducanu said: “I just woke up with a bit of a stiff wrist.

“With the balls being quite heavy in the grass, it’s just something I have to manage. I just had to prioritise my singles and my body.

“I don’t think it was a mistake because I was feeling fine.

“It was the right decision. I stand by the decision. It was a tough decision because it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do.

“Andy was obviously disappointed because it’s his last match. What a champion.

“I think that hopefully he’ll play in the Olympics and have another farewell there.”

Emma Raducanu has stood by her decision. Photo by AELTC/Joe Toth – Pool/Getty Images

The late withdrawal from the mixed doubles first-round tie, despite agreeing to the idea last Tuesday, divided opinion in tennis circles.

Judy Murray received flak when she responded to one X post by saying “Yes, astonishing …”

She also took to Instagram and shared an LTA post quoting Serena Williams – Murray’s 2019 Wimbledon mixed doubles partner – saying: “Playing mixed doubles by your side was one of the highlights of my life”.

On Sunday, Judy tried to clarify her intentions behind the messages, saying: “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.”

Raducanu responded: “I hadn’t seen Judy’s reaction. I’m sure she didn’t mean it.

“I think with every decision, people are entitled to their opinions. Of course, there was a bit of a cloud around the decision.

“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.”

Judy Murray ignited the controversy. Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images

Andy Murray has farewelled Wimbledon. Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Nineteen Brits entered the first round last Monday and Tuesday but disappointingly none of them have survived into the second week.

The wildcard said: “It was a difficult match. I gave it my best, I fought really hard.

“I’ve been managing a stiff back since Saturday. I think it was just exaggerated today.

“I was feeling it during the match. I think especially on serve it was affecting me a bit.

“I just need to take the lessons that I can from it, watch it back, improve and keep going.

“Six months ago when I was starting out after surgery, I would have signed for the fourth round at Wimbledon. Of course I’m disappointed. Of course I want more.

“I think everything does happen for a reason. It just fuels the fire and makes me more hungry.”

This story first appeared in The Sun and was republished with permission.