In a revealing interview ahead of his new advisory role with American prospect Jenson Brooksby, retired British tennis legend Andy Murray has pinpointed the most damaging external force facing Emma Raducanu: public criticism from high-profile figures she admires. The 38-year-old two-time Wimbledon champion, speaking to *The Telegraph*, described such commentary as “unhelpful and undermining,” drawing from his own experiences as a young player. Murray’s comments come amid ongoing scrutiny of Raducanu’s form—now ranked No. 24 after a resurgent Guadalajara quarterfinal—and underscore his deliberate choice to stay silent on her game, even as he mends fences from their 2024 Wimbledon mixed-doubles fallout.
The Core Issue: Criticism from ‘People You Look Up To’
Murray, who retired after the 2024 Paris Olympics, explained why he avoids dissecting Raducanu’s or Jack Draper’s performances in the media. “I know when I was a young British player, I found it very, very unhelpful when people that you knew or looked up to were being critical of you after losses publicly,” he said. “You respect their opinions, and often they might differ from what your coach is telling you. If you’ve got an ex-British No. 1 or an ex-world No. 1 saying they don’t agree with how you hit your forehand or the strategy you use in matches, it can be a bit undermining.”
He elaborated that while pundits must analyze, such feedback from idols can erode confidence, especially for emerging talents like the 22-year-old Raducanu, who burst onto the scene with her 2021 US Open win but has struggled with consistency and injuries since. Murray emphasized the mental toll: “It’s really not helpful for young players, in particular, who maybe are not able to block that out and trust their coaches.”
This stance aligns with Murray’s broader post-retirement philosophy: Prioritizing support over scrutiny for the next generation. He’s since taken on low-key mentoring with Brooksby and appeared at events like the Laver Cup as a guest analyst, but draws a firm line on critiquing compatriots.
Ties to the Wimbledon Fallout: A Mended Bridge
Murray’s remarks arrive as he updates fans on his reconciliation with Raducanu, following her last-minute withdrawal from their planned 2024 Wimbledon mixed-doubles match—intended as his Grand Slam farewell. Raducanu cited wrist stiffness, prioritizing her singles run (where she reached the quarters before losing to Lulu Sun), but the decision drew backlash, including a tweet from Murray’s mother, Judy, calling it “astonishing.” Tournament rules barred a replacement, forcing Murray’s early exit.
The pair exchanged messages post-event, with Raducanu apologizing in a “long” note at the 2025 Australian Open to avoid “bad blood.” Murray confirmed they’ve “cleared everything up,” sharing “civil greetings” in Melbourne and multiple texts since. “Things were fine after we cleared everything up,” he said. “Emma’s not someone that beforehand we were communicating all the time or discussing ideas about her game… so that hasn’t changed.”
Murray reiterated no grudge: “I never had an issue with Emma. She made a decision for her career, and that’s what pros do.” Yet, he views the episode through his “unhelpful criticism” lens, noting how Judy’s tweet amplified external noise for Raducanu.
Raducanu’s Ongoing Challenges: Form and Expectations
Raducanu’s 2025 has been a mixed bag: A third-round US Open exit to Ons Jabeur, but a Guadalajara quarters run signaling progress under coach Mark Petchey. No Slams won since 2021, she’s faced endless analysis—from forehand tweaks to scheduling—exemplifying the pressure Murray decries. As British tennis’s female face (with Draper as the male heir), the scrutiny is amplified.
Murray’s silence is deliberate support: “I’m not talking about Emma or that anymore.” His words offer a shield, reminding that icons like him can empower rather than erode.
As Raducanu eyes Beijing’s China Open (September 28–October 6), Murray’s insight cuts deep: In tennis’s echo chamber, the loudest voices should build up, not break down.
