‘I have to prioritise myself’ – Emma Raducanu defends ‘impromptu’ withdrawal from Andy Murray’s doubles match at Wimbledon

His withdrawal virtually ends Murray’s Wimbledon career, as Scott Murray has already been eliminated from the men’s singles and doubles.

However, Raducanu believes she had to prioritise her match with Sun over her partnership with the former world No. 1.

“I have to prioritise myself, my singles and my body,” the 21-year-old said.

“I think it was the right decision.

“Yeah, obviously it was a tough decision, because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

“Of course, I didn’t want to take away his last match from him.

“But at the end of the day I think a lot of players in a similar situation would have done the same thing, put their bodies first.

“I think with every decision, people have a right to their opinion.

“Of course, there was some skepticism about the decision.

“I think in this sport, especially, as an individual, you have to make your own decisions and prioritize yourself.”

Raducanu was confronted about Judy Murray’s comments during the post-match press conference but did not engage in a war of words.

“I haven’t seen his reaction so I don’t know,” he said.

“I’m sure that’s not what he meant (when Judy Murray described his decision as surprising).”

Murray decided not to participate in the men’s singles at Wimbledon following back surgery, but committed to play in the men’s and mixed doubles.

“I’m obviously disappointed because it’s his last match,” he said.

“But, yeah, what a champion.

“I think hopefully he will play at the Olympics and have another farewell match there.

“I think going into the tournament I didn’t expect to get to the fourth round.

“So it wasn’t a difficult task for me. I would have loved to play.”

“They didn’t ask me ‘If you’re still in singles, will you play?’.”

“It was never an answerable question.

“It wasn’t a difficult task for me, considering the way I woke up yesterday morning.”

Raducanu had leveled the match after a difficult first set and looked to have the lead but then injuries halted her momentum.

She received treatment and continued playing, but could not secure the win and the Sun came out on top at Centre Court.

Raducanu praised Sun’s performance after the loss.

“Yes, she was very aggressive,” he said.

“I think it is challenging to play against a left-hander. He is someone I have not really played or trained against.

“I think moving forward, I need to incorporate more of that.

“But yeah, credit to him.

“She played really well, obviously swinging really freely.”