For tennis fans, witnessing Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu team up in mixed doubles at the US Open is an incredible experience. They’re part of the new generation that’s bringing a lot of excitement to the sport. While we must wait until the end of August for the start of the New York Grand Slam to witness their combined talent enthrall the crowd, the two have already shared some moments that are garnering significant attention. The British press suggests that their bond extends beyond the court and that they also share a special friendship off the court.
The rumors began at Queen’s, which is the tournament that Alcaraz won after a thrilling final against Jiří Lehečka. Emma cheered him on during some of his matches and even during practice sessions. The Sun reported that Raducanu observed him during his matches on both Thursday and Sunday, and they also made appearances at the hotel. She arrived in her own car just minutes after he entered with his team. They reportedly looked happy and relaxed, laughing inside.
Since then, their relationship has been the tournament's talk, and some wonder if they're involved. It wasn’t just the players talking. Even BBC staff and other media crews were apparently gossiping about it.
Emma, who was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire by King Charles III, reacted to the latest headlines with a good sense of humor. "I'm glad the internet's having fun, and we're providing some entertainment for everyone,” she said on the BBC.
The tennis player had previously shared that her first interaction with the Murcian athlete happened well before they became two major names on the tour. They were friends even before we had won anything. In 2021, when their careers really took off, their friendship grew stronger. “We got to know each other better that year. I made it through to the next round at Wimbledon, and he did as well. He won in five sets in the first round and then lit up the US Open. I remember he always played the day before me, and I liked following his matches.”
Since then, they’ve stayed in touch, which is why the player from El Palmar asked her to team up at the US Open. “He messaged me and asked me to play. I mean, I was very surprised and excited, of course. I would have said yes right away, but I had to go through the proper channels. Sharing the court with him is going to be something really special.”
Emma is not just Alcaraz’s teammate but also a big fan. She finds it amazing to watch him play and says she enjoys following his matches because you can clearly see his growth in each one. She also knows firsthand how much work goes into those wins. "He's so nice, very happy, amazing values and just a really positive light to be around,' said Raducanu."
Emma’s story shares some similarities with Alcaraz’s. She was born in Toronto, Canada, to Ian, who is Romanian, and Renee, who has Chinese roots. At just two years old, she moved with her family to the UK and started playing tennis in London when she was five. By the age of 13, she was already standing out, and her rise has been unstoppable ever since.
After winning the US Open in 2021, she now returns aiming to claim victory again, this time alongside Alcaraz.