"Horribly irresponsible from Judy" - Fans slam Andy Murray's mother's "embarrassing" reaction to Emma Raducanu's Wimbledon mixed doubles withdrawal

Emma Raducanu recently opted out of her mixed doubles match with Andy Murray at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. Her withdrawal drew a controversial response from Murray’s mother, Judy, which did not sit well with tennis fans.

Raducanu and Murray were set to compete in the mixed-doubles category on Saturday, July 6, in what would’ve been the veteran’s final run at the home tournament before retirement. The duo’s fixture against Marcelo Arevalo and Zhang Shuai was scheduled on Court 1 as the fourth and final match of the day, after Ben Shelton, Iga Swiatek, and Elena Rybakina’s matches.

Many fans were disappointed by the timing, given the possibility of the match colliding with England’s Euro 2024 quarterfinal against Switzerland. Several others also expressed concern about the potential late finish, considering Emma Raducanu is due to contest her Wimbledon fourth-round singles match on Sunday. Raducanu, who was delighted to share the court with Andy Murray, too, called the scheduling “not ideal.”

Hours before their match on Saturday, the 21-year-old, who underwent wrist surgeries last year, made the “very tough decision” to pull out, citing “stiffness” in her right wrist.

"I’m disappointed as I was really looking forward to playing with Andy but got to take care," Emma Raducanu said.

While several fans supported Emma Raducanu's decision, Murray’s mother, Judy, seemingly did not appreciate it. In a since-hidden reaction (on X), the former coach called her withdrawal “astonishing.”

Andy Murray's mother Judy on X

Her response drew the ire of tennis fans online.

"This is horribly irresponsible from Judy Murray. Radacanu's focus has to be on the singles, not on [Andy Murray's] farewell game. She's going to be painted as the villain because some people like to attack women as it is, don't add to the pile on. She's showing a winner's mentality," one fan said.

Another fan pointed out that Murray already received a farewell at the tournament on Thursday, when he competed with his brother Jamie in men’s doubles. The home crowd celebrated the three-time Grand Slam champion’s illustrious career on Centre Court, with the likes of Novak Djokovic, Martina Navratilova, and Iga Swiatek in attendance. His family was also present at the ceremony.

It is worth noting that Andy Murray’s colleagues also paid him an emotional tribute at the 2019 Australian Open, when he hinted that it could potentially be his last.

"ur son is 57 years old and has already had 3 retirement ceremonies, I feel that it's kind of embarrassing for u to be tweeting like this about a 21 year old wta player," the fan fumed.

"lmfao i get it’s a tough situation for [Andy Murray] and i love andy but for someone who was right there when andy was the one at the tough end of the british press. To encourage hate on a young player is crazy and incredibly disappointing to see," another fan said.

"Why exactly? She has her own career, she isn't there purely to serve the [Andy Murray] 'legacy,'" yet another fan chimed in.

"She’s going for the [Wimbledon] singles title. She’s not going to risk that by entering the mixed doubles. Let’s face it, take away the fact that it’s [Andy Murray’s] swan song, it’s way down the list of priorities for players contesting the singles. He’d be no different as a young player," one fan opined.

Here are a few more reactions from tennis fans:

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Emma Raducanu to take on Lulu Sun in Wimbledon 2024 fourth round

Emma Raducanu pictured at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships (Image Source: Getty)

Emma Raducanu would hope to put the controversy behind her as she shifts her focus to singles at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships.

The 2021 US Open champion has advanced to the fourth round of the tournament for the second time in her career, after 2021. Three years ago, she was forced to retire mid-match after facing breathing difficulties.

Raducanu, who has been in fine form at Wimbledon this season, would fancy a different outcome this time. Following straight-set victories over Renata Zarazua, Elise Mertens, and Maria Sakkari, she faces New Zealand’s Lulu Sun on Sunday, July 7, for a spot in the quarterfinals.