Why Is Emma Raducanu Facing Flak For Withdrawing From Wimbledon Mixed Doubles?

Emma Raducanu, 21, crashed out of Wimbledon in round 4 after her impeccable play in the first three rounds. She also pulled out of doubles, which she was supposed to play alongside Andy Murray. Raducanu who has been a tennis star since her teen years has continued to carve out her place in the world of tennis. Raducanu's career-high ranking was 10 in 2022. She is currently no 135. 

Rising British Tennis Star In The Making

The onset of Wimbledon saw many epic and legendary matches and singles play. Emma Raducanu was one of the wildcard members in Women Singles 2024 along with Naomi Osaka and Caroline Wozniacki. The daughter of a Romanian father and Chinese mother, Raducanu was born in Toronto, Canada in 2002, and her family moved with her to the United Kingdom when she was a baby. The British tennis player has not only made a historic record but also underwent some serious physical injuries in her robust career. 

The Historic US Open 2021 Record

In the US Open 2021, Emma Raducanu created history as she became the first qualifier (male or female) to win a Grand Slam title in the history of tennis! She made this record while she was just 19 years old. Raducanu entered the 2021 US Open with No.150 rank and came out with No. 10 in the world and No. 1 in the British.

In 2022, Raducanu returned to New York to defend her Grand Slam title but was unfortunately beaten in the first round and since then her ranking has dropped considerably also owing a great deal due to her injuries. In May 2023, Emma announced on her social media platform about her wrist and ankle surgeries which she mentioned as "minor surgeries." She stated, "The last ten months have been difficult as I dealt with a recurring hand injury on a bone of both hands,” she wrote on social media, adding: “I’m having a minor procedure done on both hands to resolve the issues. I’m disappointed to share that I will be out for the next few months and while I am at it will have another minor procedure that is due on my ankle." 

While in January 2024 she played the Australian Opens, on the eve of 2024 Indian Wells she withdrew citing a lower back issue. 

The 2024 Wimbledon Controversy

There have been some divided opinions on Raducanu's recent position and take regarding her matches. On July 6, Emma Raducanu was supposed to pair up with Andy Murray for mixed doubles at Wimbledon 2024 which would also be the latter's last ode to tennis. However, on July 6 itself, Raducanu withdrew from the match citing stiffness on her wrist. This decision gave Murray the less-needed sudden end to his tennis career. On Sunday, July 7, Raducanu was scheduled for the 4th round Singles match with Lulu Sun of China, but she was ultimately defeated and currently stands eliminated from the Wimbledon 2024 match.

Many criticised her decision to drop out from mixed doubles while many backed her decision to prioritise herself. Raducanu said, "I don’t think it was a mistake because I was feeling fine, then yesterday morning just woke up with stiffness. I have to prioritise myself, my singles and my body. I think 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." 

This Wimbledon season made quite some noise for Raducanu, not just because of her swishing hits and scores but also because it is allegedly reported that Romeo Beckham and Raducanu might be seeing each other. In Emma's 2nd round victory against Elise Mertens, she was interviewed regarding the tournament and one of the questions was about Romeo Beckham's presence on the stand. Even though she swiftly diverted the question saying, "I think he is really cool," and shifted the conversation to David Beckham, many still suspect a brewing romance. 

Despite her tumultuous journey in Wimbledon 2024 which eventually helped her gain a few ranks, Emma Raducanu who is still just 21 years old has already made a historic record and gained incredible momentum in what is to be a very long and legendary tennis career we look forward to.