Emma Raducanu backed up by Andy Murray ally after controversial response to legend's retirement - The Mirror

Andy Murray bid an emotional farewell to tennis this summer after appearing at Wimbledon and the Olympics and Emma Raducanu shared her thoughts on the gap he has left within the sport

Liam Broady has questioned “salty” tennis fans for their criticism of Emma Raducanu after her blunt Andy Murray comment.

The 37-year-old bid a fond farewell to the sport this summer after his appearance at the Paris Olympics. It brought to an end a glittering career for the three-time Grand Slam winner.

His British colleague Emma Raducanu was recently asked about how different the sport felt since Murray hung up his racket. Speaking at the US Open, she said: “It doesn’t feel different at all I think.

“Tennis is unforgiving in that sense. No matter who you are, it just moves on. There’s always another match, there’s always another tournament. Of course, Andy’s achieved amazing things.

“I watched him win this tournament but yeah, it’s fast paced like life - it’s old news the next day. I think the Brits are doing really well right now.

“I think overall we’re all pushing each other, we’re all competitive. You see others doing well and you want to do the same.”

That comment did not go down particularly well with some claiming it was disrespectful. But Murray’s pal Broady has leapt to hear defence and claims her verdict of the sport is absolutely spot on.

Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “Don’t know why so many people are salty over Raducanu’s interview. Her point is that the sport moves so fast, and she’s right about that. Nobody has time to stop and ponder things it’s just one tournament after another, a million miles an hour.”

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Raducanu and Murray have already had a bit of history this summer. The duo were set to be partners during the mixed doubles at this summer’s Wimbledon.

Having already played in the men’s doubles alongside his brother Jamie, it was set to be his final appearance of his career at Wimbledon. But Raducanu pulled out with a slight wrist issue.

That saw Murray’s mum Judy embroiled in a social media debate. After the news, she wrote: "Yes, astonishing". She later clarified that comment with a follow-up post that read: "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."

Since then, Raducanu has been preparing for her first appearance at the US Open for two years. She will take on fellow Grand Slam winner Sofia Kenin in the first round of the tournament.

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