Emma Raducanu has spoken out about the aftermath of her controversial withdrawal from a mixed doubles match with Andy Murray during her final appearance at Wimbledon in 2024. The 22-year-old British tennis star admitted to feeling uncomfortable over the situation and took steps to repair relations with Murray, a player she has long admired.
The untimely withdrawal which sparked the debate
Murray, a two-time Wimbledon champion and tennis icon, had already announced that the 2024 edition of the tournament would be his last. The 37-year-old had opted to compete in the men’s doubles with his brother Jamie and the mixed doubles with Raducanu, making his latest campaign particularly significant.
However, the highly anticipated mixed doubles pairing never materialized. Just hours before their first-round match, Raducanu withdrew, citing wrist pain. The abrupt decision meant Murray’s final run at Wimbledon ended prematurely, sparking speculation and criticism.
Judy Murray, Andy’s mother, added fuel to the fire with a cryptic comment on social media, calling the situation “astonishing.” Although she later clarified that her remark was not directed at Raducanu, it quickly became a hot topic in the media.
Raducanu takes responsibility and extends his hand
Speaking ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Raducanu revealed she felt compelled to address the situation personally. “Afterwards, I sent him a long message,” Raducanu shared. “I said, ‘If I caused problems at Wimbledon, that’s definitely the last thing I wanted.’”
The former US Open champion has been candid about her respect for Murray and her desire to avoid any lingering tension. “He’s someone I’ve always admired, and I don’t want any bad blood or negative feelings with him,” she said.
-To his relief, Murray responded with understanding, although he acknowledged his disappointment. “He took it very well and said he was disappointed but understood,” Raducanu added. “We are fine now. We say hello, we congratulate each other—everything is fine. »
Murray reflects on the ‘strange’ ending
Murray himself addressed the incident in late July, calling Raducanu’s decision “respectable” but admitting it left a bitter taste. “The ending was a bit strange,” remarked Murray, noting the anticlimactic conclusion to his Wimbledon story. Despite the situation, he expressed no resentment publicly, moving forward with his retirement plans.
A shared moment of greatness
Raducanu also reflected on meeting Murray alongside Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, highlighting the admiration she still feels for the legends of the sport. “It’s obviously really great to see him here with Novak. Two great champions together—it’s pretty incredible,” she said.
Looking to the future, lessons learned
Although Raducanu has moved past the controversy, the incident serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny top players face. For Murray, it’s one of the final chapters of an illustrious career. Both players appear to have put the situation behind them, ensuring that their mutual respect remains intact.
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