EMMA RADUCANU defended her decision to snub mixed doubles with Andy Murray as she bowed out of Wimbledon singles.The Brit, 21, withdrew from a Box Office pairing with Murray, 37, on Saturday night after waking up with a stiff right wrist.5 Emma Raducanu responded to Judy Murray's cryptic tweets Credit: Getty5 Judy Murray did not appear pleased to see Raducanu pull out of the mixed doubles Credit: SplashShe feels it was the right call to quit the doubles even though it meant Murray’s Wimbledon career was over.This evening she lost 6-2 5-7 6-2 to New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun in the last 16 – the final Brit to exit the two singles draws.Raducanu said: “I just woke up with a bit of a stiff wrist.“With the balls being quite heavy in the grass, it’s just something I have to manage. I just had to prioritise my singles and my body.“I don’t think it was a mistake because I was feeling fine.“It was the right decision. I stand by the decision. It was a tough decision because it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do.“Andy was obviously disappointed because it’s his last match. What a champion.“I think that hopefully he’ll play in the Olympics and have another farewell there.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe late withdrawal from the mixed doubles first-round tie, despite agreeing to the idea last Tuesday, divided opinion in tennis circles.Judy Murray received flak when she responded to one X post by saying “Yes, astonishing…”Andy Murray tears up on Centre Court in emotional interview with tennis icon Sue BarkerFollow all the latest news from Wimbledon 🍓 WE'VE got Wimbledon covered - with our top team at the home of tennis. 🍓 Read all the latest news and gossip from SW19 in our BRILLIANT LIVE BLOG.She also took to Instagram and shared an LTA post quoting Serena Williams – Murray’s 2019 Wimbledon mixed doubles partner – saying: “Playing mixed doubles by your side was one of the highlights of my life”.On Sunday, Judy tried to clarify her intentions behind the messages, saying: “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.”Raducanu responded: “I hadn’t seen Judy’s reaction. I’m sure she didn’t mean it.“I think with every decision, people are entitled to their opinions. Of course, there was a bit of a cloud around the decision.“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 calls and prioritise yourself.“Especially with my history, I just had to put myself first.”Nineteen Brits entered the first round last Monday and Tuesday but disappointingly none of them have survived into the second week.The wildcard said: “It was a difficult match. I gave it my best, I fought really hard.“I’ve been managing a stiff back since Saturday. I think it was just exaggerated today.“I was feeling it during the match. I think especially on serve it was affecting me a bit.“I just need to take the lessons that I can from it, watch it back, improve and keep going.“Six months ago when I was starting out after surgery, I would have signed for the fourth round at Wimbledon. Of course I’m disappointed. Of course I want more.“I think everything does happen for a reason. It just fuels the fire and makes me more hungry.”5 Andy Murray was denied a final Wimbledon match following Raducanu's withdrawal Credit: EPA5 Raducanu lost in three sets to qualifier Lulu Sun Credit: Getty5 The Brit reached round four - just as she did in 2021 Credit: Getty
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