Anne Diamond, a TV broadcaster, has been chastised for labelling Emma Raducanu’s decision to withdraw from a mixed doubles competition alongside Andy Murray “unforgivable”.
The 21-year-old tennis champion revealed on Saturday (6 July) that she had withdrawn from the match against Murray owing to stiffness in her right wrist; unfortunately, this meant that Murray’s final Championships match was cancelled. Instead, his defeat in the men’s doubles against his brother Jamie on Thursday (4 July) would be his final match.
Diamond, who rose to prominence on the 1980s chat show Good Morning Britain and now works as a presenter on GB News, was on the show when she lambasted Raducanu. She contrasted the player’s decision to Rishi Sunak’s controversial decision to leave a D-Day event in early June.
“Just speaking as a fan, I was really looking forward to it,” Diamond told me. “I also see it as a giant snub from a young girl, who has got a future ahead of her, yes – but he is the king of Wimbledon.”
Diamond continued, “I’m not rooting for her anymore. I’m very sorry. I was so excited and completely behind her yesterday, and now this. This reminds me of Rishi Sunak returning from the D-Day beaches early. I think it is unforgivable.”
On X, several people thought that Diamond’s comments were overdone.
“It’s Wimbledon, not the Andy Murray farewell tour,” one user wrote.
Another said, “Leave the poor girl alone.” Murray retired, then returned and received a fantastic reception on Thursday night, so he has no complaints. I hope Emma has turned off all this unnecessary hatred.”
A third person remarked, “Emma needs to prioritise her own Wimbledon goals. I normally appreciate Anne Diamond, but this was an ill-informed statement.”
Anne Diamond on GB News, and tennis champion Emma Raducanu
Raducanu’s decision to withdraw from the match drew a lot of attention this weekend, with Murray’s mother Judy describing it as “astonishing” on X. She later emphasised that her message was not intended as a criticism of Raducanu, stating, “I’m not sure anyone understands sarcasm these days.” I’m sure the schedule (4th match on court 1 with a singles the next day) will have played a significant role in any decision making.”
Raducanu stated in a statement that she was “disappointed” to have to make the “very difficult decision” to withdraw, but that she needed to prioritise her singles match.
