“I already had other obligations,” Roger Federer explains why he skipped Andy Murray’s Wimbledon farewell

Andy Murray's Wimbledon career ends after his mixed doubles partner Emma Raducanu withdraws.

“I already had other obligations,” Roger Federer explains why he skipped Andy Murray’s Wimbledon farewell

Roger Federer (in circle) and Andy Murray (via Imago)

Andy Murray received a celebrated farewell ceremony after playing his final Wimbledon match on Thursday. Several other players such as Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek were present to witness the British legend’s farewell, however, Roger Federer was notably absent from the occasion despite arriving two days before the match.

For context, Murray was supposed to play his opening Wimbledon singles match at the Centre Court on Tuesday against Tomas Machac. But, he decided to withdraw from the match as he was not fit to play. Murray was just returning from a back injury which he sustained at the Queen’s Club Championship.

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Despite his withdrawal from the singles, he still participated in the doubles category alongside his brother Jamie Murray. The duo lost to Australian pair James Peers and Rinky Hijikata in the first round. After the match, Murray had an exceptional farewell ceremony. The British star is now set to play his final career match at the Paris Olympics.

Federer was asked why he missed the emotional Wimbledon goodbye. The Swiss legend explained that he had planned to be in the singles match but heard Murray withdraw and had other obligations during his doubles match.

I wish I could’ve been there last night but I already had obligations because I didn’t know how it was gonna all play out. I actually took an earlier flight on Tuesday to be here in case he played his singles. As I boarded the flight, I learned Andy wasn’t playing singles. I was like ‘Oh my God.’ I was on standby. Sadly last night I couldn’t be there. I quickly went to see him before the match. I could see Andy was extremely nervous and caring for that very moment.
Roger Federer said via ESPN

Murray and Federer played each other 25 times, with the Swiss legend leading 14-11 in the head-to-head.

Emma Raducanu withdraws from her mixed doubles match, leaving her partner Andy Murray disappointed

Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from her mixed doubles match, as her partner Andy Murray ends his Wimbledon career. The 21-year-old revealed that she woke with some stiffness in her right wrist. The 2021 US Open champion reached the fourth round of Wimbledon yesterday after beating Greek Maria Sakkari in a straight set in an hour and 30 minutes at the Centre Court.

Andy Murray(L), Emma Raducanu(R)
Andy Murray(L), Emma Raducanu(R) (Via Imago)

The WTA star now looks to be focused on her singles match as she will face New Zealand qualifier, the World No.123 Lulu Sun in the fourth round. If she beats Lulu, she will either face Donna Vekic or World No.93 Paula Badosa. With few games, the 21-year-old could see herself in the semifinals of Wimbledon.

Murray cannot re-pair after Raducanu’s withdrawal as the rule doesn’t apply to that. While he has ended his Wimbledon career, he will be proud that he won the title twice in his career.

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