TV presenter Anne Diamond criticised over ‘unforgivable’ Emma Raducanu remark
Get Instant Breaking News Alerts In Your Inbox For Free
Get Free Breaking News Updates - Sign Up Now!
I want to receive emails about deals, happenings, and news from The Independent. Check out our privacy policy.
Anne Diamond received negative feedback for deeming Emma Raducanu's choice to withdraw from a mixed doubles competition with Andy Murray as "unforgivable".
The young tennis star, age 21, revealed on Saturday (6 July) that she would not be able to play in the match with Murray because of pain in her right wrist. This decision meant that Murray's last game at the Championships was called off. Despite this, his loss with his brother Jamie in the men's doubles on Thursday (4 July) would now be considered his final match.
Diamond, a well-known personality from the Eighties TV show Good Morning Britain and now a presenter on GB News, made comments about Raducanu while on the channel. She even compared Raducanu's decision to Rishi Sunak's controversial choice to leave a D-Day event early in June.
"Just as a supporter, I was eagerly anticipating it," Diamond expressed. "I also view it as a significant disrespect from a youthful girl, who may have a promising future, indeed - but he is the ultimate champion at Wimbledon."
Diamond expressed: "I can no longer support her. I apologize, I was yesterday - I was very enthusiastic and completely supporting her, but now this. To me, this is like Rishi Sunak leaving the D-Day beaches prematurely. I believe it's unacceptable."
On the date X, numerous individuals believed that Diamond's comments were exaggerated.
One individual commented that this event is Wimbledon, not just a goodbye to Andy Murray.
Someone else commented: "Please stop bothering the young girl. Murray has retired before, then returned and received a warm welcome on Thursday night, so he shouldn't be complaining. I just hope Emma isn't paying attention to all this unjustified negativity."
Another person commented, "Emma needs to prioritize her Wimbledon aspirations. I usually enjoy Anne Diamond's content, but this statement was uninformed."
Raducanu's choice to withdraw from the match has caused a lot of talk this weekend. Murray's mother, Judy, described the decision as "surprising" on X. She later explained that her comment was not meant to criticize Raducanu, stating: "I don't think anyone can understand sarcasm anymore. I'm certain that the schedule (4th match on court 1 with a singles match the next day) played a big role in the decision-making process."
Raducanu expressed her disappointment in having to make the difficult decision to withdraw, but emphasized the importance of prioritizing her singles match.
