Carlos Alcaraz came to Emma Raducanu’s defense after the 21-year-old drew criticism over the Andy Murray mixed doubles situation, saying it certainly wasn’t her intention to ruin the three-time Grand Slam champion’s farewell at The Championships.
On Saturday, Raducanu and Murray were scheduled to make their debut as a mixed doubles pair and it was also supposed to be the last event that the three-time Grand Slam champion would play at Wimbledon. But then around three hours before the start of the match, the report came out revealing that the match would not happen because Raducanu decided to withdraw due to wrist concerns.
The following day, Raducanu returned to action when she took on Lulu Sun in the Wimbledon round-of-16. But unfortunately for Raducanu and the home fans, it didn’t go as expected after the qualifier from New Zealander stunned the Briton 6-2 5-7 6-2.
On Sunday, defending Wimbledon champion Alcaraz was also in action – but he had more luck than Raducau – beating Ugo Humbert 6-3 6-4 1-6 7-5 to reach the quarterfinal.
Afterward, the reporters wanted to know what was his opinion on the Raducanu and Murray case and the criticism that came the 21-year-old’s way over the entire situation.
“It’s a difficult situation. She said she was going to play mixed doubles with Andy in the last Wimbledon of his career… I’m sure she didn’t want to pull out of the mixed doubles,” Alcaraz said.
“She had her reasons to do it. I guess physical problems. I don’t know, she’s facing the 4th round of a Grand Slam at Wimbledon, I think it’s special for her playing in England. I’m sure a lot of players in her position would do the same thing as her. Obviously, knowing it’s his last Wimbledon is difficult to deal with.”
Tommy Paul on facing Carlos Alcaraz next at Wimbledon
“Can you make it a 10 match winning streak?”
Tommy: “That would be really nice. I wouldn’t be mad about that at all. 😂 it’s definitely gonna be a tough match. He’s the defending champ. He plays amazing on grass. But I feel… pic.twitter.com/43HsL4q66V
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 7, 2024
What Raducanu said after Alcaraz defended her?
Since Alcaraz’s match finished earlier than Raducanu’s, the Briton later addressed the mixed doubles issue. And when she did, she highlighted that just a year ago she was missing Wimbledon because of surgeries to both wrists and added that risking anything in that regard simply would not make sense.
With that being said, the 2021 US Open champion said she felt she made the right call and would do the same again because avoiding serious injuries is one of the biggest priorities.
“I don’t think it was a mistake because I was feeling fine, then yesterday morning just woke up with stiffness. I have to prioritize myself, my singles and my body,” Raducanu said.
“I stand by the decision. Obviously it was a tough decision, because it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. Of course I didn’t want to take his last match away from him, but at the end of the day I think a lot of the players in a similar situation would have done the same thing.
“I think in this sport especially, as an individual, you have to make your own calls and prioritize yourself. Especially with my history, I just had to put myself first. Given how I woke up yesterday morning, it was for me a no-brainer.”
Alcaraz set for a very challenging Wimbledon quarterfinal meeting
Meanwhile, Alcaraz is to battle against No. 12 seed Tommy Paul for a place in the Wimbledon semifinal. When Alcaraz, 21, and 27-year-old Paul meet, it will be their fifth meeting but also their first on grass.
In the past, Alcaraz had some difficulties with Paul and their head-to-head stands at 2-2. And going into their Wimbledon match, there are all reasons to believe that it will be another tough battle considering that the American – who won Queen’s two weeks ago – is currently on a nine-match winning streak on grass.
After beating 2019 Wimbledon semifinalist Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets, Paul was asked how he felt about the chances of beating Alcaraz next.
“That would be really nice. I wouldn’t be mad about that at all. It’s definitely gonna be a tough match. He’s the defending champ. He plays amazing on grass. But I feel like I’m playing pretty good right now too,” Paul said.
Although Paul has been on fire recently, Alcaraz will still enter the match as the favorite.