Why did Emma Raducanu decline the Olympic Games wild card?

The 2021 US Open champion is recovering from ankle and wrist surgeries and has declined a wild card entry reserved for former Slam champions. Only two spots are available in each draw, and more established champions like Osaka, Kerber, or Wozniacki are ranked ahead of her for the wild card. After receiving a last-minute invitation, Raducanu decided to decline the offer. She explained that the swift shift from playing on grass to clay right after Wimbledon could pose physical risks. This decision came after her loss to Katie Boulter in Nottingham.

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Raducanu emphasized her single-mindedness and prioritizing her body and health to achieve great things without putting unnecessary stress on herself, especially considering her history.

“It’s clear that to EMMA, the Olympic Games mean a lot; I can see that from talking to her, but I think she feels this is not the right time. I hope she has many more Olympic tournaments ahead of her,” said Ian Bates, selector of the British Olympic team.

Andy Murray is going for his fifth Olympic appearance

Yesterday, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) revealed the players who will represent Great Britain in the upcoming Olympics. The men’s singles team will include Cameron Norrie, Jack Draper, Dan Evans, and Murray. Based on their rankings, Cameron Norrie, Jack Draper, and Dan Evans qualified. At the same time, Andy Murray, a renowned three-time Grand Slam champion and two-time Olympic singles gold medalist, secured his place through one of the quota spots reserved for Grand Slam champions and Olympic gold medalists.

If the great Scotsman Andy Murray plays in Paris, he will have the chance to become the first male Tennis player with three singles gold Olympic medals. This achievement is unlikely but possible.

He shares this achievement with the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, who each have two career Olympic gold medals and additional gold medals in doubles. Murray also has a silver medal in mixed doubles, won in London 2012, playing with Laura Robson.