TV presenter Anne Diamond called Emma Raducanu's decision to withdraw from mixed doubles 'unforgivable,' and compared it to Rishi Sunak's early retirement at the D-Day commemorations, attracting a wave of criticism on social media. The 2021 US Open champion was scheduled to play alongside Murray in the mixed doubles draw after receiving a wild card but withdrew hours before the match due to wrist discomfort.
According to the 21-year-old star, the withdrawal was due to physical problems requiring rest before her fourth-round singles match against Lulu Sun. Raducanu's campaign has been notable so far, guaranteeing her return to the top 100 and advancing to the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time since her title at Flushing Meadows.
TV presenter Anne Diamond rose to fame in the UK as the host of the talk show Good Morning Britain in the 80s and is currently a presenter on GB News. Diamond strongly criticized Raducanu for her withdrawal, which prevented Murray's last appearance on the SW19 courts.
"Just speaking as a fan, I was really looking forward to it," Diamond said. "I also see it as a giant snub from a young girl, who has got a future ahead of her, yes – but he is the king of Wimbledon."
The presenter compared Raducanu's decision to the recent news of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who decided to return early from the 80th-anniversary commemorations of D-Day to campaign in the elections: "I’m not rooting for her anymore. I’m so sorry, I was yesterday – I was so keen and absolutely behind her, and now this. To me, this is like Rishi Sunak going back from the D-Day beaches early. I think it’s unforgivable."
Fans on social media criticized the TV presenter's comparison. In fact, it became one of the trending topics in the United Kingdom. Here you can find some of the reactions on X:
“What an absolute twat Anne Diamond is. It’s Wimbledon, not the Andy Murray farewell tour.”
What an absolute twat Anne Diamond is. It’s Wimbledon, not the Andy Murray farewell tour.
'Who does she think she is?! I'm not rooting for her anymore. This is like Sunak going back from D-Day early. It's an unforgivable snub.' Anne Diamond clashes with @AidanMageeTV over Emma Raducanu withdrawing from mixed doubles with Andy Murray due to wrist stiffness.
"She is an elite sportswoman who rightly takes every decision that helps her further her performance. Of course she’s doing the right thing. You don’t get to the top without being ruthless in every decision you make. She can’t just for the sake of Andy give it all up and harm her chances and neither would he have done in her place. Ridiculous criticism."
She is an elite sportswoman who rightly takes every decision that helps her further her performance. Of course she’s doing the right thing. You don’t get to the top without being ruthless in every decision you make. She can’t just for the sake of Andy give it all up and harm her…
“Anne Diamond was very disappointed with Raducanu, said who does she think she is? When asked if she would make amends if she wins Wimbledon? Anne says no and she's not going to root for her again as it was an unbelievable snub."
Anne Diamond was very disappointed with Raducanu, said who does she think she is? When asked if she would make amends if she wins Wimbledon? Anne says no and she's not going to root for her again as it was an unbelievable snub. Interesting debate. Agree?
"The irony is that Andy Murray spent a lot of his career correcting people about women in tennis and generally being incredibly supportive. He doesn’t have an issue with Emma Raducanu focussing on the singles, so why does anyone else? Anne Diamond honestly what are you on?!"
The irony is that Andy Murray spent a lot of his career correcting people about women in tennis and generally being incredibly supportive. He doesn’t have an issue with Emma Raducanu focussing on the singles, so why does anyone else? Anne Diamond honestly what are you on?!
Anne Diamond is an actual idiot- a disgrace of a presenter. This is awful to even compare this to Rishi & the DDay situation. Then she had the cheek to mention boo’ing! If anybody boos Emma this will be on Anne. As Aiden said, Andy would have pulled out too if other way around.
'Who does she think she is?! I'm not rooting for her anymore. This is like Sunak going back from D-Day early. It's an unforgivable snub.' Anne Diamond clashes with @AidanMageeTV over Emma Raducanu withdrawing from mixed doubles with Andy Murray due to wrist stiffness.
Hilarious to see GB News viewers getting upset about Anne Diamond being a horrible idiot. Yes, what she said about Emma Raducanu was stupid and unpleasant but what channel did you think you were watching guys?
Emma Raducanu is probably completely unaware of the irrelevant, has-been Anne Diamond, and is at this crucial stage in her career concentrating on her job - to win matches.
Entirely up to Raducanu to pull out. Entirely understandable that Murray is gutted (Presume Raducanu is too). It's not mutually exclusive - and it's not fecking DDay or any of Anne Diamond's onions. It IS GB News though and standard "reporting" for them 🙄🤡
