Andy Murray’s Wimbledon career over after Emma Raducanu pulls out of mixed doubles

Such is the unpredictability of sport, that even goodbyes can’t always be planned. In this case, Andy Murray’s final Wimbledon farewell.

This one was all the more sentimental because Murray had announced his retirement on home turf, at Wimbledon.

There was an emotional farewell ceremony after he pulled out of his final singles match on 4 July, due to ongoing back issues.

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The event was attended by fellow Grand Slam Champions, Novak Djokovic, Martina Navratilova, John McEnroe and Iga Swiatek, alongside British players Jack Draper, Dan Evans and Cameron Norrie.

Also in attendance were Murray’s family.

A montage of his finest moments was shown on screen to a packed Centre Court stadium.

But for British tennis fans, all was not over.

Or so they thought…

Although Murray had pulled out of the singles and lost in the gentlemen’s doubles with his brother Jamie, there was to be one last hurrah.

Murray announced that he and Emma Raducanu would be forming a ‘dream team’ mixed doubles partnership at Wimbledon.

What a match-up that was expected to be.

British fans were jubilant, and Raducanu and Murray were both looking forward to playing together.

In Raducanu’s post-match press conference on Friday after her win against Maria Sakkari, she spoke about the team up: “I mean, it’s just an amazing opportunity to be able to play with him. It’s something that I’m going to cherish”.

But it was not meant to be.

Andy Murray to retire after Paris Olympics 2024

Early on Saturday afternoon, Raducanu announced her withdrawal from the mixed doubles, due to “some stiffness” in her wrist.

Murray and Raducanu were scheduled to play China’s Zhang Shuai and El Salvador’s Marcelo Arevalo on Saturday, on Wimbledon’s aptly named ‘Super Saturday’.

Sadly, per Wimbledon rules, it is now too late for Murray to find a replacement for the mixed doubles, as the draw has already been made.

Players often prioritise singles over doubles, to preserve their bodies and to avoid injury from playing too many matches. This could not have been an easy decision for Raducanu, who is clearly taking the necessary precautionary measures to ensure a successful run in the singles: “I am disappointed as I was really looking forward to playing with Andy, but I’ve got to take care”, this will no doubt be a blow to Murray and his team.

Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu have been replaced by the alternate team Rajeev Ram (USA) and Katie Volynets (USA).

Murray, a three-time grand slam champion, is planning to retire after playing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Amisha Savani is reporting exclusively for The South African from the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon