The 18-year-old became a darling of the country on her way to the last-16 at the All England Club. It was the best debut by a British woman in the tournament since 1979. However, she was forced to retire due to breathlessness during the clash against Ajla Tomljanovic on Monday.

The British teenager was 4-6 0-3 down when she became breathless and had to take a medical break which caused officials to call off the match.

This prompted criticism of the young player from the likes of former champion John McEnroe.

Mr McEnroe said after the match: “It appears that it just got a little bit too much, as is understandable, particularly [with] what we’ve been talking about this last six weeks with Naomi Osaka not even here.”

England striker Rashford, preparing for his historic Euro 2020 semi-final with Denmark, leapt to defend Ms Raducanu in a thoughtful message on Twitter.

READ MORE:Emma Raducanu responds to Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Rashford

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“It happened to me playing for the national team in U16s against Wales,” he wrote on Twitter.

“I remember it to this day. No explanation for it and it never happened again. You should be very proud of yourself.

“The country is proud of you. Glad to read you’re feeling better. Onwards and upwards.”

Piers Morgan was among critics of the decision to retire. Mr Morgan claimed the teenager “couldn’t handle the pressure”.

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Cricketer Kevin Pietersen wrote that “mental toughness is what separates the good from the great in sport”.

Two-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray, along with his mother tennis coach Judy Murray, questioned these opinions.

“No question mental toughness can be what separates the best in sport but surely both of you aren’t judging her mental toughness on yesterday’s match?!” the Wimbledon star responded to Mr McEnroe.

His mother urged people to remember Ms Raducanu is still a teenager.

“Middle-aged men should generally avoid commenting on the physical or mental well-being of teenage girls. They will never experience or fully understand that world,” Mrs Murray said.

Ms Raducanu is still awaiting her A level results and since announcing her retirement from Wimbledon has said that “the whole experience just caught up with me”.

She went on to thank fans for “the best time of my life” and vowed to return better than before.

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