Emma Raducanu explained why she withdrew from the mixed doubles with Andy Murray. Amid the last participation of the 3-time Grand Slam champion at Wimbledon, it was announced that Murray and Raducanu would form an unprecedented partnership to compete in the mixed doubles draw, but at the last moment, the 21-year-old decided to withdraw from the doubles.
As a result, Murray missed out on returning to the court at the All England Club. The British hero is preparing for his final retirement from the courts in the coming weeks, and an injury prevented him from being in full physical condition at Wimbledon. However, he decided to play in the doubles draw with his brother Jamie Murray and in mixed doubles with Raducanu.
After an emotional farewell on Thursday, July 4th, on Centre Court, there was still one last challenge for the former world No. 1 in the mixed doubles, in what was expected to be a showdown for the local crowd with two former Grand Slam champions.
However, Raducanu's plans changed. The former world No. 10 reached the fourth round in the singles draw, showing a high level of play and defeating players like Elise Mertens and Maria Sakkari (9th seed). Raducanu is set to face New Zealander Lulu Sun, who has a career-high ranking of No. 123, in the Round of 16.
"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," Emma Raducanu said. "I’m disappointed as I was really looking forward to playing with Andy but got to take care."
Raducanu has already secured her return to the top 100 with her good results at Wimbledon and is guaranteed to rise to at least No. 92, her best ranking in 14 months. The match against Sun is scheduled for Sunday on Centre Court, as she remains the only British player still in competition.