Emma Raducanu breaks silence on decision that ended Andy Murray’s career at Wimbledon after he was knocked out in singles

Emma Raducanu has said she stands by her decision to withdraw from her Wimbledon mixed doubles match against Andy Murray after exiting the singles tournament following a three-set defeat to qualifier Lulu Sun.

Raducanu woke up with a stiff wrist on Saturday and informed Murray she would prioritise her singles appearance, even if it meant depriving the two-time champion of a final match at the All England Club.

The 21-year-old was then knocked out in the fourth round of singles by world number 123 Sun on Centre Court on Sunday, losing in three sets to the qualifier while suffering from lower back problems.

Despite the criticism she received for pulling out of the match against Murray, Raducanu said she did not regret accepting the 37-year-old’s offer to play mixed doubles.

The former US Open champion admitted she did not expect to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon and said it was a “no brainer” to prioritise her fitness rather than allowing Murray to make his final farewell.

“I don’t think it’s a mistake, because I felt good and then yesterday morning I woke up with muscle aches,” Raducanu said. “I have to prioritize myself, my singles and my body.

“I think it was the right decision. I stand by that decision. Of course, it was a difficult decision, because it’s something I always wanted to do.

“I didn’t want to rob him of his last game. But in the end, I think a lot of players in a similar situation would have done the same thing, putting their body first. I maintain that it’s the right decision to make.”

“He was obviously disappointed because it was his last match (at Wimbledon). But what a champion. I hope he plays at the Olympics and has another farewell there.

“I think that for every decision, people have the right to express their opinion. Of course, there was a bit of vagueness.

“I don’t think I would have done it any other way. I think in this sport especially, as an individual, you have to make your own decisions and set your own priorities. Especially with my history, I just had to put myself first.”

Raducanu missed Wimbledon last year after undergoing surgery on both wrists and one ankle. The visiting player, who was the last British woman standing in the singles draw, said her wrist pain was a result of her recent workload on grass.

“I woke up yesterday with a little bit of stiffness in my wrist,” she said. “The balls are pretty heavy on grass, so it’s something I have to deal with. I’ve been playing on grass for a few weeks now. I think I had to prioritize my singles.”

“I’ve been suffering from some back stiffness since yesterday. I think it was exaggerated today, I would say. I felt it during the match. I think it affected me a little bit, especially on the serve.”

Raducanu, who matched her best Grand Slam performance since winning the US Open by reaching the fourth round, also said she had not discussed with Murray what they would do with their mixed doubles tournament if she reached the second week of Wimbledon.

“I think before I entered the tournament I didn’t expect to reach the fourth round. So for me it was a no-brainer. I would have loved to play,” she added.

“He never asked me, ‘If you’re still in singles, are you going to play?’ It wasn’t a question that needed to be answered. Given the state I woke up in yesterday morning, it was a no-brainer for me.”