In a captivating twist to the tennis world’s pre-Wimbledon buzz, Emma Raducanu, Britain’s beloved tennis star, was spotted in the stands at the Queen’s Club Championships on June 21, 2025, cheering on her soon-to-be US Open mixed doubles partner, Carlos Alcaraz. The 22-year-old, who recently withdrew from the Berlin Open due to persistent back pain, took a break from her recovery to support the Spanish sensation as he powered through to the final against Roberto Bautista Agut with a commanding 6-4, 6-4 victory. Raducanu’s courtside presence, complete with a stylish yellow ensemble and sunglasses perched atop her head, sparked excitement among fans and set social media ablaze with speculation about their upcoming partnership.
Raducanu’s appearance at Queen’s comes at a pivotal moment in her season. After a strong showing at the Queen’s Club Championships, where she reached the women’s singles quarterfinals before falling to China’s Zheng Qinwen, the former US Open champion was forced to prioritize her health. A lingering back issue, which she described as causing a spasm, prompted her withdrawal from the Berlin Open, a WTA 500 event where she had secured a wildcard entry. “It’s been lingering for the last few weeks, and I have had back issues before,” Raducanu admitted, underscoring her cautious approach to ensure she’s in top form for Wimbledon, set to begin on June 30. Her next stop is the Lexus Eastbourne Open, where she faces American Ann Li in the first round, with a potential second-round clash against two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur looming.
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz, fresh off his French Open triumph and riding a 16-match winning streak, continues to dominate on grass. His semifinal performance at Queen’s was a masterclass, as he fended off Bautista Agut’s challenges with precision and flair. Raducanu, watching intently from the Andy Murray Arena, was caught on camera sharing a light-hearted moment with a friend, her expression shifting to a playful pout when featured on the big screen. The crowd’s enthusiasm mirrored her own, as Alcaraz’s victory set up a final showdown with Jiri Lehecka, who earlier defeated British No. 1 Jack Draper.
The buzz surrounding Raducanu and Alcaraz’s partnership began earlier this month when the US Open announced their blockbuster mixed doubles pairing for the revamped event, scheduled for August 19-20 at Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadiums. Alcaraz, a five-time Grand Slam champion, revealed he initiated the collaboration, humorously noting, “I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me. Yeah, I made that special request.” He added with a laugh, “She took a while. Not that much, but she had to think a little bit.” Raducanu, who has long admired Alcaraz’s dynamic playing style—having watched him defeat Novak Djokovic in last year’s Wimbledon final—agreed to the partnership, which Alcaraz jokingly predicted she’d lead. “She’s gonna be the boss,” he quipped during a press conference at Queen’s, highlighting their longstanding friendship and mutual respect.
This alliance marks a fresh chapter for Raducanu, who faced criticism last summer after withdrawing from a mixed doubles match with Andy Murray at Wimbledon due to a wrist injury. The decision, which denied Murray a final appearance at the All England Club, drew significant attention, and Raducanu later apologized. Her upcoming US Open venture with Alcaraz offers a chance to redefine her doubles legacy, especially in a star-studded field featuring pairings like Jannik Sinner with Emma Navarro and Naomi Osaka with Nick Kyrgios. The event, boasting a $1 million prize pot, has attracted nine of the top 10 ATP and WTA singles players, promising high-octane competition.
Raducanu’s presence at Queen’s wasn’t just a show of support for Alcaraz; it was a testament to her resilience. Despite her back pain, she’s carefully managing her schedule to peak at Wimbledon, where she reached the fourth round last year after defeating top-10 player Jessica Pegula. Alcaraz, too, expressed enthusiasm for their partnership, saying, “I’ve known Emma since a long time ago. I have a really good relationship with her, so it’s going to be interesting. We are going to enjoy for sure.” He even shared that he watches all of Raducanu’s matches on TV and hopes to return the favor by cheering her on in person.
As Raducanu prepares for Eastbourne and Wimbledon, her camaraderie with Alcaraz adds an exciting dimension to her journey. Their chemistry, evident in a viral US Open promotional video filled with laughter and banter, has fans eagerly anticipating their New York debut. Whether this partnership becomes a defining moment or a fleeting experiment, Raducanu and Alcaraz are poised to light up the courts, blending talent, charisma, and a shared passion for the game.
Leave a Reply