Emma Raducanu’s father, Ian Raducanu, has broken his silence on his daughter’s heartbreaking withdrawal from the Wimbledon fourth-round tie against Ajla Tomljanovic. The 18-year-old has proven to be a superstar at this year’s Wimbledon Championships, becoming an overnight sensation among British tennis fans.
Her incredible run through the opening three rounds led to millions of fans tuning in to watch her fourth-round tie against Tomljanovic.
And the British teenager was more than holding her own against the world No 75, looking the better player in the early stages.
Raducanu was unable to make a number of break-point opportunities count though and Tomljanovic showed her experience in striking when it mattered most at the end of the first set.
The Aussie tennis star took the first set and soon went a break up in the second.
JUST IN: Raducanu receives message from Tomljanovic after Wimbledon withdrawal
But Raducanu herself soon began to cut a concerned figure as she appeared to struggle catching her breathe.
At the change of ends, a medical timeout was called with two doctors coming to her side.
She was soon taken off the court to receive more medical attention before it soon became clear that she wasn’t going to return.
There was collective gasps in Court One, along with many spectators soon wishing the teenager well on social media.
It still wasn’t clear what the medical reason was for her withdrawal in the immediate aftermath.
But her father has now spoken on his daughter’s heartbreaking moment on the big stage.
Ian reportedly told the Telegraph that he was proud as “many people are”.
When asked what he thought the reason was for his daughter’s withdrawal, he said: “I think it’s the level.
But he wasn’t prepared to confirm whether it was nerves, saying: “Who knows?”
Tomljanovic was left “shocked” by Raducanu’s sudden exit and wished her better.
“I am actually shocked because Emma must be hurt if she came to the decision to retire,” she said.
“I am really sorry for her, I wish we could have finished it. I am wishing her all the best.
“I thought I found my groove although Emma was hurt and not at her best which kind of explains it.
“It didn’t really sink in I’m in the quarters because of the circumstances. I am thrilled to play Ash, and to have two Aussies in the quarter-finals is great for everyone back home.”