Wimbledon officials have simply said that ‘breathing difficulties’ was the reason for Emma Raducanu having to withdraw on Monday.The 18-year-old Briton pulled out of her match against Ajla Tomljanovic in the second set following a medical time out.
No explanation was offered at the time, and Emma Raducanu was allowed to forgo her media duties after the match too.
Officials did release a very short statement late on Monday night, although her withdrawal remains shrouded in mystery to an extent.
One theory put forward by Grand Slam legend John McEnroe was that it was more a mental issue than a physical issue, and that the occasion simply got the best of her which prompted an anxiety attack.
“I feel bad for Emma,” McEnroe told the BBC. “It appears it got a bit too much which is understandable, particularly what we’ve been talking about this last six weeks with [Naomi] Osaka.
Due to medical reasons, Emma Raducanu has retired from this match – but what an incredible run to the fourth round it was 💚 💜#Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/fmp6M0twDw
“How much can players handle? It makes you look at the guys who have been around, and the girls, how well they can handle it.
“People say: ‘You were so bad on the court, you used to misbehave’. But yes, I was the norm.
“These guys who can keep their composure, and the girls out there, are amazing.
“We have to appreciate the players who are able to do it so well and hopefully she will learn from her experience.”
