Andy Murray comments on Emma Raducanu controversy speak volumes ahead of Paris Olympics
Andy Murray has been forced to answer questions on Emma Raducanu as he prepares to play at the Paris Olympics
PA
Earlier this month, Emma Raducanu found herself in the eye of a storm.
Having agreed to play mixed doubles with Andy Murray, only to pull out of the arrangement, the 21-year-old was widely criticised online.
It was, after all, not just any old match. Murray was denied one last clash at Wimbledon, a tournament he's won twice in the past. People, as a result, immediately started to sharpen their pitchforks.
Judy Murray responded in two words to the news. "Yes, astonishing," she said when quizzed on Raducanu's decision to pull out. She later insisted she was being sarcastic and that no offence was caused. Not everybody believes that, however.
Andy Murray has been forced to answer questions on Emma Raducanu as he prepares to play at the Paris Olympics
PA
Fast-forward to now and Murray was asked about Raducanu on Tuesday.
Some were hoping he'd condemn Raducanu, take aim at the person who has denied him his fairytale Wimbledon goodbye.
But Murray has never been that sort of character and the former world No 1 insists he has no feelings of bitterness towards his compatriot.
“Everyone is going to look out for their best interests and what it is that they do. I understand that, and I don't have an issue with that," he said.
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“Getting to finish playing at Wimbledon on Centre Court with my brother was unbelievably special.
"That obviously wasn't how I'd planned it. That's how it ended up, and I'm really happy about that.
“I'm not frustrated or bitter about it. I'm happy that I got to finish playing at Wimbledon with my brother.”
When asked about comments from his mother, Murray then added: “I think that it's always important in situations like this to remember that at that moment everyone is really emotional because it's the end of me playing at Wimbledon.
“She's my mum, so she obviously cares a lot about me and has been a huge part of my career.
"Everyone's emotions are obviously running high. My mum's obviously always going to support me and look out for my best interests. She's been my best supporter.”
Murray could have been forgiven for holding a grudge.
But he knows that singles tennis matters more than doubles and his response to the situation speaks volumes about his character.
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Emma Raducanu caused controversy by pulling out of the mixed doubles at Wimbledon
PA
Murray has never been one to whinge and moan. Even with all the injuries he's endured, the 37-year-old has simply knuckled down and fought back in the face of such adversity.
And Raducanu's decision, while painful, was the right one.
It isn't her responsibility to focus on Murray. Instead, she's continuing to fight to establish herself as one of the best players in the world.
Andy Murray harbours no grudge towards Emma Raducanu as he prepares to play at the Paris Olympics
PA
Her own injury issues have seen her become a peripheral figure in a game that, just years ago, looked set to be dominated by her for many years to come.
Yes, people had a right to feel frustrated. But Raducanu's priority is herself, as it should be. The best, after all, don't focus on others.
Whether Murray can summon some magic one last time this summer remains to be seen. He's already won two Olympic golds - and a third would only cement his amazing legacy.