In a candid discussion ahead of the 2024 US Open, Jack Draper and Katie Boulter have openly disagreed with Emma Raducanu’s recent remarks about Andy Murray.
Draper, who has formed a strong bond with Murray over the years, shared his thoughts on the retired tennis legend’s absence from the tournament.
“It seems a bit weird not having Andy there with his rancid, stinking shoes next to me in the locker room.”
Draper joked, referencing Murray’s habit of drying out his shoes, often with his wedding ring attached.
Despite the light-hearted tone, Draper made it clear that Murray’s presence and influence would be sorely missed, adding:
“I do miss his presence a lot. I feel a responsibility to really play good tennis and be the British No. 1. We miss Andy, but things have to come to an end, and hopefully, I can keep on going and the other players as well.”
Draper also expressed how much he would miss Murray’s humor and camaraderie on the tour, noting:
“I’ll miss the camaraderie, the nonsense, the banter, and the serious chats as well. I miss those moments in the locker room before matches when you’ve got someone as great as Andy next to you.”
In contrast, Emma Raducanu stirred controversy with her blunt assessment of Murray’s retirement, stating:
“No, it doesn’t feel different at all. I think tennis is unforgiving in that sense; no matter who you are, it just moves on. There’s always another tournament. Of course, Andy’s achieved amazing things, and I watched him win this tournament, but it’s fast-paced like life is. It’s old news the next day.”
Katie Boulter, however, was quick to defend Murray’s legacy.
“His legacy lives on. I walk past his pictures here every day. What an incredible player,” she remarked.
Boulter emphasized how Murray has elevated British tennis to a new level, inspiring countless young players, including herself.
“I think what he’s done for this game is above and beyond.”
Both Draper and Boulter’s comments reflect the deep respect and admiration they hold for Murray, contrasting sharply with Raducanu’s more detached perspective.
As the US Open unfolds, their words underscore the lasting impact Murray has had on British tennis, even as the sport continues to evolve.
