Emma Raducanu appeared to take a swipe at Judy Murray by jokingly responding ‘astonishing’ to a Frances Tiafoe’s public invite for a mixed doubles partnership. The British tennis sensation caused controversy at Wimbledon earlier this month after withdrawing from mixed doubles with Andy Murray, in what would have been his final match at SW19.
Judy, his mother, responded to public surprise over Raducanu’s withdrawal with wrist stiffness by posting on social media: “Yes, astonishing.
However, the 64-year-old subsequently insisted she was referring to the organisers’ decision to have Raducanu and Murray play together the evening before the youngster was due back on court for her fourth-round singles tie the next morning.
At the time, Raducanu said she had not seen any of the fallout following her decision to withdraw as she tends not to touch social media during tournaments. But the 21-year-old appears to have now referenced the episode in an amusing social media exchange with Tiafoe.
Raducanu is currently competing at the Citi Open having opted against playing for Team GB at the Olympics. She posted photos from her excellent first-round win over Elise Mertens, with Tiafoe – who is also at the tournament – commenting: “Mixed…
Responding to the apparent request to feature alongside Tiafoe in Washington, Raducanu wrote “astonishing”, alongside a laughing emoji.
Although Judy’s comments appeared a criticism of Raducanu, she later wrote: “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 went on to lose her fourth round match at Wimbledon to Lulu Sun. Meanwhile, Murray’s final match at the All England Club ended up being his doubles partnership with brother Jamie, after which he received a touching tribute on Centre Court.
Having opted against playing at the Olympics, Raducanu has continued her excellent form in Washington and could reach the Citi Open third round if she beats Peyton Stearns this evening (Wednesday). It remains to be seen if she will take up Tiafoe’s offer of a mixed doubles partnership.
Raducanu has been enjoying a fruitful year and has climbed back into the top 100 after missing most of last year due to undergoing three separate operations.
The former US Open champion said after beating Mertens in three sets: “I think I’m just most proud of my mentality and character today. I was playing some pretty good tennis in patches throughout, especially in the first set and moments in the third set. I lost some focus in the second.
“It’s not easy playing at 11.30. I got here Thursday night so I’m still jet-lagged.
