Raducanu was slated to partner with former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray in mixed doubles on Saturday, but decided to withdraw due to a wrist issue. This decision, which took place just before her fourth-round singles loss to Lulu Sun, has stirred controversy. Raducanu, who won the US Open in 2021, wanted to prevent worsening her condition before her 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 defeat to New Zealand’s Sun on Centre Court.
The withdrawal shattered Murray’s aspirations for one final match at Wimbledon. The two-time champion, still recovering from surgery for a spinal cyst, couldn’t compete in men’s singles and had already faced an early exit in men’s doubles with his brother Jamie.
Murray expressed disappointment over Raducanu’s decision, and his mother, Judy, initially criticized it as “astonishing” on social media platform X, although she later clarified her comment was sarcastic and she understood Raducanu’s reasoning.
When asked if she regretted her decision, which effectively ended Murray’s Wimbledon career, Raducanu responded that she had to prioritize her health and singles career. She acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but stood by it, noting that many players in her situation would likely do the same to avoid further injury.
Murray is now expected to make his final career appearance at the Paris Olympics later in July.
“People have their own views,” Raducanu said, addressing the backlash. “In an individual sport like this, you need to make decisions that prioritize your health. Given my history with injuries, I had to put my needs first.”
She expressed regret over missing Murray’s last match but remained hopeful that he would have a proper farewell at the Olympics.
Raducanu was not aware of Judy Murray’s reaction and was confident it wasn’t meant to offend.
Having struggled since her remarkable US Open victory as a teenager, Raducanu entered Wimbledon in better form but needed a wildcard due to her drop in rankings. She didn’t foresee her singles run conflicting with the mixed doubles schedule.
“I didn’t expect to reach the fourth round, so the choice was obvious,” she mentioned. “We didn’t discuss whether I would still play if I advanced in singles.”
Ironically, Raducanu faced additional injuries, including back and ankle issues, in her match against Sun, leading to her elimination in the last 16.
Despite the setback, Raducanu remains motivated, stating that her renewed focus on tennis has reignited her passion for the game.
“This experience only makes me more determined. Tennis is my main focus, and it’s all I want to pursue,” she concluded.
