‘HAVE TO PRIORITISE MYSELF’ – EMMA RADUCANU DEFENDS ‘NO BRAINER’ WITHDRAWAL FROM ANDY MURRAY DOUBLES MATCH AT WIMBLEDON
Emma Raducanu lost 6-2 5-7 7-6 in the New Zealander Lulu Sun in round four of the women’s singles tournament at Wimbledon. Afterward, she spoke out about her decision to pull out of her mixed doubles team with two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray. The decision of Raducanu has provoked lots of debate and controversy, but she says she was forced to prioritize her body following a tough couple of years with injuries.
Emma Raducanu defended her decision to withdraw from her dream mixed doubles team alongside Andy Murray after falling to defeat to qualifying Lulu Sun at Wimbledon.
Raducanu was defeated 6-2 7-7 6-2 in the 4th round by world No. 123 in just a few hours after pulling out of Wimbledon mixed doubles. Wimbledon mixed doubles because of stiff wrist.
Her departure almost brought an end to Murray’s Wimbledon career Murray’s Wimbledon career, with Murray being the only Scot already absent from the doubles and singles for men.
TER-FINAL
12 HOURS AGO
But, Raducanu believes that she must have prioritised her battle against Sun over her alliance with Sun, the former world No. 1.
“I have to prioritise myself, my singles and my body,” stated the 21-year-old.
“I believe that I made the correct choice.
“Yeah It was a hard decision however, it’s something I’ve always dreamed of doing.
“Of course I didn’t wish to lose his final match from him.
“But in the final analysis, I believe that a lot of players in the same situation could have performed the exact way, prioritising their bodies.
“I believe that with any decision, everyone is right to express their views.
“Of course there was a bit of uncertainty around the decision.
“I think in this sport, especially, as an individual, you have to make your own calls and prioritise yourself.”
Murray’s mum Judy has claimed that she said earlier when she was discussing the withdrawal as “astonishing” was sarcastic.
Raducanu was alerted to Judy Murray’s comments at her press conference after the match however she refused to be entangled in a battle of words.
“I haven’t seen her reaction, so I don’t know,” she said.
“What was her sarcasm?
“I’m sure she didn’t mean it [when told Judy Murray described her decision as astonishing].”
Murray did not decide to play in the singles for men at Wimbledon after surgery on back issues, however Murray did agree to play in mixed doubles.
Murray as well as his twin sister Jamie have been removed from the doubles for men at the start of round one of play on Thursday. Raducanu acknowledges his Scot was disappointed at not getting the chance to play in one final Wimbledon appearance.
“I mean, obviously disappointed because it’s his last match,” she added.
“But I’m sure, you’re an amazing champion.
“I believe that He’ll participate during the Olympics and also have a goodbye in the Olympics.
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“I believe that going into this tournament I wasn’t sure if I was going to get into the fourth round.
“So for me it was an easy choice. I would like to have been a part of it.
“He didn’t even ask me , ‘If I’m still in singles, will you continue to play?.
“That was never a question that needed to be addressed.
“Given how I woke up yesterday morning, it was for me a no-brainer.”
RADUCANU PRAISES ‘AGGRESSIVE’ SUN
Raducanu was able to level the match after a gruelling first set, and was in the lead until injuries cut her off completely.
She was treated and carried on, but was not able to overcome the hurdle because Sun won the match in Centre Court.
Raducanu took the time to praise Sun’s work following Sun’s defeat.
“Yeah, she was very aggressive,” she continued.
“She picked up the ball.
“I believe that playing lefty can be challenging. It’s something I’ve never played or practiced against.
“I believe that moving forward, this is something I’ll probably have to integrate more.
“But I’m sure you’re a she deserves credit for her.
“She played really well, obviously she is swinging really freely.”
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