Emma Raducanu has sent an apology to Andy Murray after withdrawing from her mixed doubles match with the tennis legend at Wimbledon last year.
The young British star was set to pair with Murray in what would have been a memorable farewell appearance, but her withdrawal due to wrist stiffness led to widespread criticism, including from Murray’s mother, Judy.
Raducanu’s Apology to Murray
Raducanu has now admitted that she reached out to Murray after the controversy to ensure there were no hard feelings.
Speaking about the situation, she said, “Afterwards, I sent him a long message basically apologising if I caused any trouble at Wimbledon. That’s definitely the last thing I want. I really wanted to smooth things over.”
She further emphasised how much she has always admired Murray, explaining that she felt the need to take the initiative to clear the air.
“Growing up, he was one of my idols, and he still is, with everything he’s achieved in the game. It didn’t feel right, so I texted him, and he replied with a really nice message. So I’m glad I did that, and I just hope he doesn’t hate me too much!”
Judy Murray’s ‘Astounding’ Reaction
At the time, Judy Murray expressed her frustration at Raducanu’s withdrawal, calling it “astounding” as it disrupted her son’s farewell at Wimbledon.
The decision had sparked debate among fans and pundits, with some arguing that Raducanu had every right to prioritise her health, while others believed she should have honoured the commitment.
Murray’s Retirement and Coaching Role
Andy Murray has since retired from professional tennis after a final appearance at the Olympics in Paris, where he reached the quarter-finals alongside Dan Evans.
However, he remains involved in the sport and has taken on a coaching role with Novak Djokovic, further cementing his legacy in the tennis world.
Raducanu’s Strong Start at the Australian Open
Now, Raducanu has been making headlines for the right reasons at the Australian Open. She recently secured an impressive victory over Amanda Anisimova, advancing to the third round of the Grand Slam.
Following her win, she encountered Murray in Melbourne and was pleased to receive his support.
“I saw Andy today. I haven’t seen him, actually, since – and he said, ‘Well done’ and congratulated me. That was really nice. He’s someone that I look up to a lot. So it’s good to have that pat on the back from him.”
