Emma Raducanu Takes Cheeky Jab at Judy Murray Following Wimbledon Drama
Emma Raducanu appeared to aim a cheeky joke at Judy Murray, weeks after their high-profile Wimbledon saga. The British tennis star recently found herself at the center of a social media storm after her decision to withdraw from playing mixed doubles with Andy Murray, denying him one last appearance at the All England Club.
Judy Murray responded to the public surprise at Raducanu’s withdrawal by posting on X: “Yes, astonishing,” but the 21-year-old now appears to have poked fun at the furore. After beating Elise Mertens in the first round of the Mubadala City DC Open in Washington, the 2021 US Open champion took to Instagram to share some photos from the win.
It was her response to a comment on the post by US player Frances Tiafoe that caught the eye of many. Tiafoe, who is competing in both the men’s singles and doubles events in Washington, jokingly invited Raducanu to partner him in mixed doubles. He commented: “Mixed….” followed by a series of shrugging and laughing emojis.
Raducanu’s reply appeared to reference the Wimbledon rift, as she wrote back: “Astonishing,” followed by another laughing emoji. Fans of the tennis stars seemed to enjoy the funny exchange, with one user commenting “Good one.” Another said: “Can’t understand your sarcasm,” in reference to Judy Murray’s later attempts to clear up the saga, where she explained that her initial response had been sarcastic.
A day after her first comment on Raducanu’s withdrawal, Judy clarified on X: “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 also played down the drama at the time, revealing she was unaware of Judy’s words on her withdrawal, where she cited wrist stiffness as the reason. When asked if she was surprised by Judy Murray’s reaction, Raducanu responded: “I haven’t seen her reaction. So I don’t know.” After being told that her comments had been sarcastic, Raducanu simply said: “I’m sure she didn’t mean it.”
But the former world number 10 has clearly become more aware of the huge fallout in the weeks since, judging by her cheeky joke with Tiafoe. Both players would have been in a light-hearted mood after recording first-round wins in Washington, with Tiafoe overcoming Colombian Daniel Galan 6-7 (10) 6-3 6-3.
Meanwhile, Raducanu beat Mertens 6-2 3-6 6-4, battling through jet lag to win the marathon encounter which finished after 11 pm. This was the British star’s first appearance since the infamous Wimbledon saga, where she reached the fourth round in the singles, as she continues her comeback from an injury-ravaged 2023.
Raducanu underwent double wrist and ankle surgery last year and turned down the chance to represent Team GB alongside Judy’s son Andy at the Paris Olympics to avoid risking further injury problems due to the surface on Roland-Garros courts. She will surely be disappointed to miss out on the summer spectacle, with the Games being compatriot Murray’s final tournament before he calls time on an illustrious career.
The young player will now face American Peyton Stearns in the tournament’s second round, while Tiafoe awaits the winner of Roberto Carballés Baena vs Aleksandar Kovacevic.
