Andy Murray's mother Judy defends herself after criticism over Emma Raducanu comment about Wimbledon mixed doubles withdrawal

Judy Murray has tried to clear the air surrounding her previous remark regarding Emma Raducanu's withdrawal from her Wimbledon mixed doubles match with Andy Murray. She claimed that her reaction was misinterpreted by the fans.

Raducanu pulled out of her and Murray's clash against Marcelo Arevalo and Shuai Zhang to safeguard her right wrist, which had been operated on last year. The 21-year-old has reached the second week of a Major tournament for the first time since her 2021 US Open title run. She is currently facing qualifier Lulu Sun for a place in the last eight at SW19.

Andy Murray's mother and top coach, Judy, seemingly didn't take kindly to the news of Raducanu's withdrawal, as she replied to a news report with the following reply:

"Yes, astonishing."

The tennis community on X (formerly Twitter) subsequently lambasted the 64-year-old for her post, as they found the remark to be in poor taste. However, the British coach defended her take on Saturday (July 6), saying that it was sarcasm. She added that scheduling played a big part in Raducanu's decision.

"Not sure anyone understands sarcasm these days," she wrote. "Pretty sure the scheduling (4th match court 1 with a singles following day) will have played a major part in any decision making."

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Emma Raducanu looking to record career-best result at Wimbledon

Emma Raducanu waves to the crowd at Wimbledon 2021

Emma Raducanu has enjoyed a respectable grasscourt season in 2024, regardless of whether she wins her fourth-round match at Wimbledon or not. The World No. 135 reached the semifinals and quarterfinals of the Nottingham Open and Eastbourne International, respectively.

Raducanu's good vein of form in the lead-up to Wimbledon has served her well. The Brit has won her first three matches in straight sets, notably springing up an upset over ninth seed Maria Sakkari in the third round. She will be eager to improve on her career-best performance at the grasscourt Major — a fourth-round finish in 2021.

At Wimbledon 2021, Raducanu punched well above her weight. Ranked outside the top 300 of the WTA rankings and having never played a tour-level match, the British wildcard beat the likes of Marketa Vondrousova and Sorana Cirstea en route to the second week. Unfortunately for her though, she had to retire at 4-6, 0-3 down to Ajla Tomljanovic due to breathing problems.