‘Getting ugly’: Tennis rocked by sad Andy Murray feud

Andy Murray’s Wimbledon career is ending in a storm of controversy after English starlet Emma Raducanu bailed on him.

Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu were slated to play doubles during day six of The Championships Wimbledon 2024.

This is not how Andy Murray was supposed to leave Wimbledon.

The Scottish tennis icon has been dragged into a storm of controversy at the All England Club after his final act at the prestigious tournament was cut devastatingly short.

Murray will never play at the tournament again after Emma Raducanu sensationally pulled out of their mixed doubles first round tie due to wrist stiffness.

Two days after his emotionally-charged Centre Court tribute, the 37-year-old was denied the opportunity for one last farewell appearance.

Earlier this week it was announced that the pair would be entering the mixed draw together, with Raducanu jumping at the chance, calling it a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.

But following her 6-2 6-3 win over Maria Sakkari last night, the 21-year-old felt discomfort in her wrist – leading to her withdrawal from the mixed.

She is set to play in the singles fourth round against New Zealand’s Lulu Sun tomorrow.

In a statement, Raducanu confirmed: “Unfortunately I woke up with some stiffness in my right wrist this morning, so therefore I have decided to make the very tough decision to withdraw from the mixed doubles tonight.

Andy Murray of Great Britain pictured on July 04, 2024 in London, England. Picture: Brunskill/Getty Images.

Emma Raducanu of Great Britain during the Women's Singles second round match against Elise Mertens of Belgium during day three of The Championships Wimbledon 2024. Picture: Francois Nel/Getty Images.

“I’m disappointed as I was really looking forward to playing with Andy but got to take care.”

Grand Slam rules dictate that once the mixed doubles draw has been made at one of the four Majors, a new partner cannot be substituted in for injury purposes.

Their match had been due to take place on No1 Court on Saturday evening, and could have clashed with England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final with Switzerland.

Alternates Rajeev Ram and Katie Volynets have replaced Murray and Raducanu in the draw.

According to The Sun, Murray is “so disappointed” not to be able to step out at his home Grand Slam, where he was singles champion in 2013 and 2016, one last time.

The drama took a sad turn on Sunday morning when Murray’s mum Judy made a prickly comment about Raducanu’s decision.

Judy’s two-word post on Twitter has blown up with many fans responding to her to say she was out of line to throw shade at Raducanu.

Murray had responded to a fan’s post where Raducanu’s decision was described as “astonishing”.

She responded: “Yes, astonishing.”

She was far from the only fan that openly criticised Raducanu, but her comment has also received plenty of condemnation.

One tennis commentator wrote on Twitter: “In a week where we have been celebrating Andy and his fantastic career, we now have shifted focus to what his mother has posted.

“It’s a shame. It was such an ill judged tweet. She has a big account and had to have known the absolute torrent of abuse she would bring on Emma.

Another wrote: “Judy Murray should be ashamed of herself.

“Why is it astonishing to her that Emma Raducanu chose to make her Wimbledon singles her priority.”

“This is horribly irresponsible from Judy Murray. Raducanu’s focus has to be on the singles, not on Andy’s farewell game. She’s going to be painted as the villain because some people like to attack women as it is, don’t add to the pile on. She’s showing a winner’s mentality.”

Judy Murray has since turned her Twitter account to private.

After noticing Murray's social media withdrawal, leading journalist Jose Morgado wrote: “This is getting ugly”.

Murray was forced to withdraw from the singles event earlier this week, after having an operation on his back a fortnight ago.

The names of Andy Murray of Great Britain and Emma Raducanu of Great Britain are seen on the order of play board during day six of The Championships Wimbledon 2024. Picture: Adam Pretty/Getty Images.

He did manage to get on court in the men’s doubles, however, playing alongside brother Jamie for the first time at Wimbledon.

After the pair was beaten by Aussie pair Rinky Hijikata and John Peers, Murray was honoured on Centre Court.

Wimbledon legend Sue Barker returned to lead the emotional ceremony, which featured a video containing messages from the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams.

Murray then gave an emotional speech on court, in which he hinted that he could soon return to Wimbledon as a coach.

The British sporting hero is still set to play at the Olympics in Paris in the men’s doubles event alongside Dan Evans.

The three-time Major champion will then hang up his racquet for good.

- With The Sun