Emma Raducanu
(Picture: Getty Images)British teenager Emma Raducanu’s brilliant Wimbledon run came to an end in the fourth round when she was forced to withdraw during the second set of her clash with Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic for medical reasons.
The 18-year-old, the youngest British woman to reach the second week at SW19 in the Open era, has become an overnight sensation and there were high hopes she could claim another win against 75th-ranked Tomljanovic.
But Tomljanovic withstood another barrage of power from the teenager to take the opening set 6-4 and move into a 3-0 lead in the second.
Raducanu had been noticeably struggling to breathe and, after consulting with the trainer and doctor, she took a medical timeout where it was deemed she could not continue.
Wimbledon later confirmed the news. The official reason given for Raducanu’s withdrawal was “difficulty breathing", although no further details have been given.
Due to medical reasons, Emma Raducanu has retired from this match - but what an incredible run to the fourth round it was 💚 💜#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/fmp6M0twDw
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 5, 2021
After the game, commentator John McEnroe appeared to jump to the conclusion that Raducanu could not handle the occasion, saying that it had “got a little bit too much”. He also conflated the incident with Naomi Osaka, who withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon because of depression and anxiety,
McEnroe said on the BBC: “I feel bad for Emma. It appears that it got a little bit too much, as is understandable, particularly what we’ve been talking about these last six weeks with Naomi Osaka not even here. How much can players handle? Hopefully she’ll learn from this experience.”
He added: “Maybe it’s not a shame that it happened right now, when she’s 18. I think, seeing this, expectations drop a little bit, allow her to take a couple of deep breaths. She’ll get some nice wild cards into events now.”
He also suggested the late start had contributed to Raducanu’s situation. “I don’t think it helped that the previous match went as long as it did because it made her think about it more. That’s a lot to take on, especially when you’ve never been there before.”
Tomljanovic was among those who criticised his comments, saying: “I wasn’t 100 per cent sure what was wrong with Emma. I’ll start with saying that I can’t imagine being in her shoes at 18, playing a fourth round in your home country.
“For him to say that, it’s definitely harsh. I have experienced something similar but not to that extent. I can’t imagine how she must be feeling having to pull out. Being down 6-4 3-0, you can come back from that quickly, especially on grass. It’s really sad that she had to do that.”
McEnroe, a three-times men’s champion, also faced backlash on social media from viewers who accused him of belittling her medical issues. Some also said he would not have made the same comments if Raducanu had been a man.
Here are some of the responses.
I didn’t realise John McEnroe was medically qualified or that he has X-ray vision! I hope Emma Raducanu is ok and wish her a speedy recovery. Did her country proud 🇬🇧
— Dr Alex (@DrAlexGeorge) July 5, 2021
Listening to the John McEnroe commentary about Emma Raducanu. Two things: 1. Is he drunk? 2. Is there anything more annoying than a man telling a woman she’s not hurt she’s just emotional? No, no there isn’t. Please ask him to stop. #Wimbledon
— Harriet Minter (@HarrietMinter) July 5, 2021
Tennis Tweet on #Wimbledon - but how can John McEnroe come out with those comments not knowing anything about her retirement from the match?!
— Rob Vickerman (@robvickerman) July 5, 2021
I am a McEnroe fan but suggesting Raducanu’s withdrawal is related to not coping with pressure is offensive - nobody knows what the medical issue is.
— Jemillo (@jemillo) July 5, 2021
Others couldn’t help remember McEnroe’s own colourful reactions when he himself was a player...
Remember when it all got a 'bit much' for John McEnroe though..? pic.twitter.com/9zvOoSQghq
— Lucie Fur (@Lucie_Fur99) July 6, 2021
But others jumped to his defence:
McEnroe told the truth. Ms Raducuna’s a talented player but couldn’t handle the pressure & quit when she was losing badly. Not ‘brave’, just a shame. If I were her, I’d tell my fans to stop abusing McEnroe, & seek his advice on how to toughen up & become a champion like he was. https://t.co/zS06yevfav
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 6, 2021
John McEnroe does have a point. She was subjected to enormous pressure throughout this whole tournament. Put on last in front of a captivating crowd, millions of viewers worldwide watching on TV. So much seemingly expected of her as her Brit colleagues had one by one lost out😢
— Martin R21 (@MartinR21again) July 6, 2021
John McEnroe is right and those who are complaining about his comments should shut up. He has the knowledge and experience to be able to give his honest opinion and what people don't realise is; that's what he's paid to do. Don't like it? Switch over or don't be such snowflakes.
— Marco Marboni (@MMarboni) July 6, 2021
Despite the disappointing ending, it has been a career-launching fortnight for the teenager from Kent, who will climb to 175th in the rankings from her current mark of 338 and can look forward to many better nights to come.
We know this is just the beginning.
