Judy Murray fires back after criticism over response to Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon mixed doubles decision
Judy Murray has clarified her controversial social media response to a post about Emma Raducanu’s decision to withdraw from Saturday’s mixed doubles clash at Wimbledon, which would have been Andy Murray’s farewell match at the tournament.
Just days after Raducanu revealed that it took her only seconds to say “yes” to playing mixed doubles with tennis great Murray in his last-ever Wimbledon tournament, the former US Open winner announced that she pulled out of the competition due to a niggle with her wrist as she felt she needed “to take care” with a big singles match coming up on Sunday.
“Unfortunately I woke up with some stiffness in my right wrist this morning, so therefore I have decided to make the very tough decision to withdraw from the mixed doubles,” she said in a statement.
“I’m disappointed as I was really looking forward to playing with Andy but got to take care.”
The PA news agency reported that the decision left Murray “devastated” as the match on Centre Court would have brought the curtain down on his illustrious career at Wimbledon.
It was one of the most-talked about doubles pairings in Britain earlier this week and left many disappointed, including broadcaster Marcus Buckland posted on X: “Astonishing news that Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from her mixed doubles match with Andy Murray. She’s citing soreness in her right wrist.
“It means Murray has played his last match at Wimbledon. Oh dear!”
Two-time Wimbledon singles winner Murray’s mother, Judy, then replied: “Yes, astonishing.”
And that set off a slew of arguments on social media about whether or not Raducanu was right to pull out or whether Judy was wrong with her reply.
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Judy made her account private soon after, but on Sunday she re-opened her X profile and stated that she was being sarcastic with her reply.
“Not sure anyone understands sarcasm these days. Pretty sure the scheduling (4th match court 1 with a singles following day) will have played a major part in any decision making.”
Several other respected figures in tennis have defended Raducanu with former British No 1 Greg Rusedski posting: “More than understandable @EmmaRaducanu has pulled out of the mixed doubles. No need to take a risk with the wrist.”
Former world No 1 Murray, who had an emotional send-off on Thursday after he lost the men’s doubles alongside brother Jamie, is yet to comment on Raducanu’s decision.
Raducanu, meanwhile, will return to action on Sunday as she will face Lulu Sun in the fourth round.
