Judy Murray’s blunt reaction, Emma Raducanu’s reply and Andy Murray’s retirement stance
Andy Murray’s Wimbledon send-off did not go to plan as the British tennis legend was ruled out of the singles with injury and was left hanging by Emma Raducanu.
Andy Murray will call time on his long and glittering career in a month. The legendary Brit was desperate for a dream Wimbledon farewell at his final Grand Slam – but it was far from the fairytale conclusion he deserved.
Just days after undergoing back surgery to remove a painful cyst, Murray vowed to put his battered, creaking body through one more gruelling battle at his home Grand Slam. The two-time Wimbledon champion may be 37, but his appetite for victory remains as strong as when he hoisted the pineapple-adorned trophy in 2013 and 2016.
Yet his dream was shattered over the past fortnight – one heartbreaking setback after another. Initially scheduled to face Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic, Murray’s surgery forced him to withdraw from his last Wimbledon men’s singles campaign.
He partnered up with his brother Jamie, hoping that success in the men’s doubles would provide the perfect end to an illustrious career. That too ended in disappointment as they suffered a first round exit.
Accompanied by his two eldest daughters, his wife, and parents, the Scot shed tears in an emotional post-match farewell ceremony hosted by Sue Barker. She talked him through his career while former rivals such as Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic gave heartfelt messages.
It was a bittersweet moment for the Murray family and the thousands watching, with all the anticipation turning towards his final performance alongside British tennis’ rising star Emma Raducanu in the mixed doubles.
Raducanu put any hope of one last Murray hurrah to bed, with her last-minute statement reading: “Unfortunately I woke up with some stiffness in my right wrist this morning, so I have taken the very tough decision to withdraw from the mixed doubles. I’m disappointed as I was really looking forward to playing with Andy, but I’ve got to take care.”
