In the fast-paced world of professional tennis, where rivalries and rankings dominate headlines, the story of Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper stands out as a heartwarming testament to friendship and mutual inspiration. The two young British tennis stars, both in their early twenties, have captured the attention of fans not only for their on-court prowess but also for their enduring camaraderie, which has sparked curiosity and admiration across the tennis community.
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, and Jack Draper, the recent Indian Wells Masters 1000 titleholder, have known each other since their childhood days on the junior circuits. Born less than a year apart, their shared journey from grassroots tennis to the global stage has forged a bond that transcends the competitive nature of their sport. “He is someone I have known since [we were] so small, we were literally kids,” Raducanu shared with a beaming smile, reflecting on their long-standing friendship. Her words, filled with genuine affection, underscore the depth of their connection, which has remained steadfast amid the pressures of professional tennis.
Raducanu’s meteoric rise in 2021, when she clinched the US Open title as an 18-year-old qualifier, left an indelible mark on the sport—and on Draper. Her historic victory, achieved without dropping a single service game throughout the tournament, inspired a generation of players, including her close friend. “What Emma did was obviously incredibly inspiring,” Draper told reporters, his admiration evident. “I learned a lot from watching Emma win, that run, and how amazing she was.” He admitted that her success fueled his own ambition to chase Grand Slam glory, a dream that has driven him to new heights in recent months.
Draper’s breakthrough at Indian Wells in March 2025, where he defeated top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune to claim his first ATP Masters 1000 title, marked a turning point in his career. Rising to a career-high world No. 6, he has solidified his status as Britain’s leading male player and a potential successor to Andy Murray’s legacy. British fans have rallied behind him, with a recent poll revealing that 85% of readers consider him the most successful active British player, compared to just 6% for Raducanu. Yet, despite the public’s preference, the two players share no trace of rivalry, only mutual support. “I’m so happy for him,” Raducanu said, her pride in Draper’s achievements palpable.
While Draper has been basking in the glow of his recent triumphs, Raducanu has faced a more challenging path. Since her US Open victory, she has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, with no additional titles to her name. Her career-high ranking of No. 10 in July 2022 has slipped to No. 47, reflecting the physical and mental toll of her journey. Recently, she reached the quarter-finals of the Miami Open, her best result at a WTA 1000 event, but withdrew from subsequent tournaments, including Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers and the WTA 250 event in Rouen, to focus on her physical health. Opting for a training block to prepare for the clay season, Raducanu is determined to rediscover the form that once made her a global sensation.
The close relationship between Raducanu and Draper has not gone unnoticed, with some fans speculating about a romantic connection. However, both players have consistently emphasized their friendship, rooted in shared experiences and mutual respect. “She’s extremely bubbly, very kind, very thoughtful, always giggling, really smart,” Draper said of Raducanu, painting a picture of a friend who brings light to those around her. Their bond, built on years of shared dreams and challenges, serves as a reminder that even in the high-stakes world of tennis, genuine connections can thrive.
As the clay season unfolds, both players are gearing up for the Madrid Open, a joint ATP-WTA 1000 event. Draper, fresh from training with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, is poised to build on his Indian Wells success, while Raducanu’s participation remains uncertain as she prioritizes her recovery. Regardless of their individual paths, their friendship remains a constant source of strength. For Raducanu, Draper’s recent achievements are a beacon of hope; for Draper, Raducanu’s resilience is a source of inspiration. Together, they represent the future of British tennis, united not just by their talent but by a bond that has endured the test of time.