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EMMA RADUCANU defended her decision to snub mixed doubles with Andy Murray as she bowed out of Wimbledon singles.

The Brit, 21, withdrew from a Box Office pairing with Murray, 37, on Saturday night after waking up with a stiff right wrist.

Emma Raducanu responded to Judy Murray's cryptic tweets
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Emma Raducanu responded to Judy Murray's cryptic tweets
Judy Murray did not appear pleased to see Raducanu pull out of the mixed doubles
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Judy Murray did not appear pleased to see Raducanu pull out of the mixed doublesCredit: Splash

She feels it was the right call to quit the doubles even though it meant Murray’s Wimbledon career was over.

This evening she lost 6-2 5-7 6-2 to New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun in the last 16 – the final Brit to exit the two singles draws.

Raducanu said: “I just woke up with a bit of a stiff wrist.

“With the balls being quite heavy in the grass, it’s just something I have to manage. I just had to prioritise my singles and my body.

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“I don’t think it was a mistake because I was feeling fine.

“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.

“Andy was obviously disappointed because it’s his last match. What a champion.

“I think that hopefully he’ll play in the Olympics and have another farewell there.”

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The late withdrawal from the mixed doubles first-round tie, despite agreeing to the idea last Tuesday, divided opinion in tennis circles.

Judy Murray received flak when she responded to one X post by saying “Yes, astonishing…”

Andy Murray tears up on Centre Court in emotional interview with tennis icon Sue Barker

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She also took to Instagram and shared an LTA post quoting Serena Williams – Murray’s 2019 Wimbledon mixed doubles partner – saying: “Playing mixed doubles by your side was one of the highlights of my life”.

On Sunday, Judy tried to clarify her intentions behind the messages, saying: “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 responded: “I hadn’t seen Judy’s reaction. I’m sure she didn’t mean it.

“I think with every decision, people are entitled to their opinions. Of course, there was a bit of a cloud around the decision.

“I don’t think I would have done it any other way. I think in this sport especially, as an individual, you have to make your own calls and prioritise yourself.

“Especially with my history, I just had to put myself first.”

Nineteen Brits entered the first round last Monday and Tuesday but disappointingly none of them have survived into the second week.

The wildcard said: “It was a difficult match. I gave it my best, I fought really hard.

“I’ve been managing a stiff back since Saturday. I think it was just exaggerated today.

“I was feeling it during the match. I think especially on serve it was affecting me a bit.

“I just need to take the lessons that I can from it, watch it back, improve and keep going.

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“Six months ago when I was starting out after surgery, I would have signed for the fourth round at Wimbledon. Of course I’m disappointed. Of course I want more.

“I think everything does happen for a reason. It just fuels the fire and makes me more hungry.”

Andy Murray was denied a final Wimbledon match following Raducanu's withdrawal
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Andy Murray was denied a final Wimbledon match following Raducanu's withdrawalCredit: EPA
Raducanu lost in three sets to qualifier Lulu Sun
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Raducanu lost in three sets to qualifier Lulu SunCredit: Getty
The Brit reached round four - just as she did in 2021
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The Brit reached round four - just as she did in 2021Credit: Getty

Wimbledon 2024 prize money

PRIZE MONEY for the 2024 Wimbledon Championships is a new record - and puts the grass-court Slam at the top of the tree.

The All England Club will dish out £50million across all the events - an increase of £5.3m and 11.9 per cent on last year, where singles champions Carlos Alcaraz and Marketa Vondrousova picked up £2.35m each.

However, the king and queen of grass this July will collect an extra £350,000 - taking the winner's earnings to £2.7m.

Here is the breakdown for the 2024 Wimbledon singles prize money:

  • Winner: £2.7m
  • Runner-up: £1.4m
  • Semi-finalists: £715,000
  • Quarter-finalists: £375,000
  • Fourth round: £226,000
  • Third round: £143,000
  • Second round: £93,000
  • First round: £60,000
  • Overall total: £50m

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