Emma
Raducanu and Andy Murray were set for an unprecedented partnership at
Wimbledon, which was supposed to be a special farewell for the former World No.
1 at SW19.
However, the 21-year-old withdrew from the mixed doubles draw to
rest while progressing through the singles draw, attracting criticism,
including notable comments from Andy's mother, Judy Murray.
Raducanu opens up on Wimbledon withdrawal decision
Initially,
it was announced that the Raducanu-Murray partnership would be the Scot's
farewell at Wimbledon, especially after it was revealed that Murray would not
be competing in singles due to a recent injury.
Read also
The mixed doubles were
scheduled to begin on Saturday, July 6, the weekend after the first three
rounds of the singles draw had been played. Raducanu had an impressive run,
defeating Renata Zarazua, Elise Mertens, and 9th seed Maria Sakkari, conceding
just 11 games across six sets.
The young
player was in inspired form after defeating the Greek Sakkari on Friday, July
5. She was committed to playing mixed doubles on Saturday and was set to return
to the singles draw for the fourth round against the surprising Lulu Sun, a
player ranked outside the top 120, on Sunday.
Just a day
before stepping onto the court with Murray, Raducanu announced that due to
wrist discomfort, she needed to rest and thus withdrew from the mixed doubles,
leaving Murray without the opportunity to compete once more on Centre Court.
Raducanu at Wimbledon 2024.
Criticism
quickly followed against Raducanu, including from Judy Murray, who called the
tennis player's decision "astonishing," sparking reactions on social
media, although she later retracted her comments. "Not sure anyone
understands sarcasm these days," she said.
Raducanu
recently gave an interview with Elle where she addressed the controversial
moment when she decided to withdraw from the doubles with Murray to avoid
overexerting her body: "It's very easy for the entire nation and for the
press too to be very harsh on me and I think I can be very hard on myself
because I'm a perfectionist," Raducanu said. "It's extremely
difficult when something doesn't go to plan. Some losses definitely hurt more
than others."
Unfortunately
for the former World No. 10, on Monday, when she faced Lulu Sun, she suffered a
disappointing defeat, 2-6, 7-5, 6-2, ending her Wimbledon dream.
"I
just play so much better when I'm happy and putting my personality out
there," the British No. 2 told Sky Sports. "I think I've been playing
a lot freer in the last month. I have been expressing myself, I've been
fighting and there has been a lot of passion, I've been feisty. And that's me.
"I'm
really tenacious and gritty. I just feel a real fire back and desire. I've got
that spark back, which is what I'm most pleased about."
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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