MELBOURNE — Emma Raducanu says she hopes to have diffused any “hate” from Andy Murray after their mixed doubles controversy in 2024.
She had signed up to play mixed doubles with Murray last summer in what was due to be his last ever appearance at Wimbledon as a player.
But Raducanu, 22, withdrew on the morning of the match to prioritise her run in the singles, which ended one match later in the fourth round, leaving Murray unable to re-enter and effectively ending his SW19 career.
The three-time grand slam champion and former world No 1 is understood to have been furious about the decision and the pair have barely spoken since – but appear to have cleared the air, with Murray being one of the first to congratulate her on reaching the third round of the Australian Open today, beating good friend Amanda Anisimova.
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Read More“I really wanted to [smooth things over]. Whether or not I can go back and turn back time and do things differently, that’s in the past,” Raducanu said.
“All I can do is evaluate that and learn going forwards. And I wanted to take the initiative, because growing up, he was one of my idols, and he still is, with everything he’s achieved in the game, coming from the UK and the same system and everything.
“He’s someone I respect a lot, and I just didn’t want any negative tension in the air, more than anything, because I’m going to see him around.
“I just didn’t want that. It didn’t feel right, so I texted him and he replied, and it was like a really nice message. So I’m glad I did that and I just hope he doesn’t hate me too much.”
The incident drew much widespread criticism, including a pointed one-word social media post from Murray’s mother Judy.
But Andy, 37 and in Melbourne coaching Novak Djokovic, appears to bear no grudge.
Raducanu added: ”I saw Andy today, and he said, ’Well done’, and congratulated me. That was really nice.
”He’s someone that I look up to a lot so it’s good to have that pat on the back from him.
“It’s obviously really cool seeing him with Novak here as well. Two great champions and they’re just together, it’s pretty awesome.”
Raducanu had lost in the second round in Melbourne on her last three appearances here, but overcame more serving struggles to beat good friend Anisimova to make it “fourth time lucky”.
The Brit had served a draw-high 15 double-faults in the first round and is still top of the table, but with only five against the American, there was a marked improvement.
But she did receive medical treatment for her back during the match, an injury that first presented during pre-season and forced her out of the first tournament of the year in Auckland.
Raducanu twice received treatment for a back injury during the match (Photo: Getty)“It’s almost to be expected when you haven’t played a match in so long, and then to have two really physical ones,” Raducanu said.
“I think small niggles are going to come up here and there. I’m just hoping that it is that.
“I was able to push past some pain today, but I’m going to just try and recover as best as possible over the next day.”
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Read MoreShe will need to be as close to 100 per cent fit as possible for her third-round clash, because she is up against the world No 2 Iga Swiatek.
The Pole has only lost nine games so far in Australia but it is not her favourite slam: she has only made one semi-final here and last year lost at this same stage to Linda Noskova
“She is a top player. She’s been really consistent over the last quite a few years,” Raducanu added.
”So it’s going to be a match for me where I feel like I don’t really have much expectation externally. I think you always have the pressure that you put on yourself to perform to your best ability, which is not really going to change, but that’s every match.”
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