Andy Murray breaks silence on controversial Emma Raducanu withdrawal incident at Wimbledon
Andy Murray has revealed his thoughts on Emma Raducanu withdrawing from Wimbledon's mixed doubles event. Raducanu, who teamed up with Murray, had faced backlash for her decision as the mixed doubles event was Murray's last participation at Wimbledon. The 37-year-old said he 'respected' Raducanu's decision.
The 21-year-old had described the Wimbledon scheduling as 'not ideal' when her mixed doubles match was slated to be played a day before her singles fourth-round match. On the day of the mixed doubles event, Raducanu withdrew citing a stiff wrist.
The mixed doubles event was set to be Murray's last hurrah at SW19 as he had already faced defeat in the men's doubles event and withdrew from the singles event. Raducanu's decision to prioritize her fitness earned her considerable backlash.
Speaking with Dan Roan in a recent interview with "BBC", Murray revealed his thoughts about the incident. The Brit respected Emma Raducanu's decision.
“Athletes are always going to make the decision that’s best for themselves and she obviously had an opportunity to do well in the single. That was the decision she made and I respect that,” Andy Murray said.
His final match at Wimbledon was a men's doubles first-round match partnering with his brother Jamie. The 37-year-old received an emotional farewell on Centre Court after their loss. He feels it was a 'special' way to end his Wimbledon career.
"The ending was a bit strange what happened. But, at the same time when I reflect on it, it was special that I got to finish with my brother," the two-time Wimbledon champion added.
Andy Murray has not spoken to Emma Raducanu since her Wimbledon mixed doubles withdrawal
Although Andy Murray cleared the air by claiming he respected Emma Raducanu's decision to prioritize the singles event, it is unclear if the mixed doubles withdrawal has soured their relationship. In a recent interview, he mentioned that the pair had not spoken since their telephone chat about her withdrawing. He said (via EuroSport):
“I haven't spoken to her since we chatted on the phone, when she told me she wasn't going to play,” Murray said.
Murray’s mother, Judy's reaction to the 21-year-old's withdrawal had caused a stir on social media. She called the decision “astonishing” but later said her response was “sarcasm”. Judy blamed the organizers for the packed scheduling which may have played a role in Raducanu withdrawing.
Andy Murray defended his mother's reaction and claimed that it was important to 'remember that at that moment everyone is really emotional' as it was the end of his career at Wimbledon. Andy called his mother his 'best supporter' and someone who was looking out for his 'best interests'.