Emma Raducanu believes Andy Murray could continue his tennis career despite speculation that his playing days are numbered.
Murray faces an almighty race against time to be fit for the 2024 edition of Wimbledon after undergoing an operation to remove a spinal cyst just weeks from the start.
The 37-year-old hinted that his last two outings as a tennis player would be Wimbledon followed by the Olympics in Paris, however recent surgery has scuppered his plans.
The ATP Tour released a statement announcing Murray has withdrawn from Wimbledon, only to take it down soon after.
An updated statement from Murray’s camp later claimed that no decision had been made and he was still in contention for Wimbledon.
Ahead of her clash with Sloane Stephens at Eastbourne on Tuesday, Raducanu spoke about Murray and the difficulty he faces in walking away from tennis.
“From what I know of Andy, he just loves tennis, he loves the sport and the challenges that come with it,” the former US Open champion told Sky Sports.
“He doesn’t care about what anyone thinks or says about him. He loves doing what he does and I think for him to finally let go of tennis…I just don’t see it happening.
“But I’d be happy if he played for a very long time to come. Physically it’s such a demanding sport and situation to be in especially with his surgery.
“I want to see him going for as long as possible.”
Raducanu is gearing up for her first Wimbledon appearance for two years, having missed out in 2023.
Her last Wimbledon appearance came in 2022 when she was beaten in the second round by Caroline Garcia.
The 21-year-old qualified for this year’s Wimbledon via a wildcard pick and will hope to impress after a difficult run of form and fitness since her triumph at Flushing Meadow in 2021.
In her six Grand Slam appearances since then, Raducanu has yet to make it past the second round, something she will hope to improve on when Wimbledon gets underway on July 1.
News Summary:
- ‘I just don’t see it happening’ – Emma Raducanu pours cold water on Andy Murray retirement talk
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