Raducanu REJECTS Team GB wildcard for the Paris Olympics
- Emma Raducanu was offered a wildcard spot as a former Grand Slam champion
- The 21-year-old Brit pulled out of the French Open qualifying last month
- Andy Murray was included in Sunday’s British line-up unveiling for the Games
Emma Raducanu has rejected the chance to represent Team GB at this summer’s Olympics, while Andy Murray has also cast doubt on his own participation in Paris despite being included in Sunday’s British line-up unveiling.
Raducanu declined her invite as she wants to prioritise getting back to her best, with the 21-year-old explaining: ‘I think I’m very single-minded and I do things my own way and at my own time.
‘Not in a diva way, but just prioritising my body and my health because I know if I’m fit, if I’m giving my 100 per cent, I know great things are coming. I don’t think there is any need to put additional stress on my body or any risk, especially with my history.’
Murray is free to join Jack Draper, Dan Evans and Cameron Norrie in the singles event at what would be his fifth and final Olympics, but the 37-year-old’s involvement may depend on whether he is allowed to play in the men’s doubles.
Murray was nominated to team up with Evans for Team GB on Sunday, but they must wait to see if that pairing is given the green light by the International Tennis Federation.
Emma Raducanu has passed up the chance to compete at this summer’s Olympic Games
Two-time Olympic champion Andy Murray also cast doubt on his own participation in Paris despite being included in Sunday’s British line-up unveiling
British No 1 Katie Boulter has been named in the Team GB squad and will compete in the women’s singles draw
It is a complicated process with no guarantees and a decision is expected by June 25.
Asked if he would still compete in the singles at the Olympics if he is not allowed in the doubles, Murray said: ‘I’m not 100 per cent sure. It depends a little bit physically how I’m doing and a bit how the next few weeks ago as well. My plan just now is to play but it’s not straightforward.’
Murray previously suggested he would only want to go to the Olympics if he stood a realistic chance of a medal.
That would be tough to achieve in the singles, considering his recent record on the clay of Roland Garros, whereas the doubles could see him make this a summer to remember.
Paris could potentially represent his final farewell after hinting at retirement.
Other names announced by Team GB on Sunday included Katie Boulter in the women’s singles, Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski in the men’s doubles, as well as Boulter and Heather Watson along with Harriet Dart and Maia Lumsden in the women’s doubles.
