THE WRIST IS HISTORY

Nightmare weekend but Emma sticks by her late decision to ditch Murray

- NEIL MCLEMAN

EMMA RADUCANU suffered a nightmare weekend in SW19 by following her late withdrawal from the mixed doubles with an earlier than expected exit from the singles.

But the former US Open champion vehemently defended her controversial decision to end Andy Murray's Wimbledon career on Saturday because of "a bit of a stiff wrist". The British No.3 insisted: "I stand by the decision."

Judy Murray called the decision "astonishing" although yesterday claimed she had been referring to the scheduling.

The online furore only increased the pressure on the world No.135 as she took to Centre Court against world No.123 Lulu Sun - the first time a wildcard and a qualifier have met in the women's fourth round here in the Open era.

Raducanu had beaten two top-10 players during this grasscourt season, including world No.9 Maria Sakkari in the last round. And she was the hot favourite to reach the quarterfinals of her home Grand Slam for the first time.