The sun-drenched courts of the Queen’s Club Championships in London have long been a crucible for tennis rivalries and triumphs, but this week, a moment of camaraderie stole the show. Carlos Alcaraz, the World No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion, was in the midst of a commanding 6-4, 6-4 semifinal victory over fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut when an unexpected spectator lit up social media: Emma Raducanu, Britain’s No. 1 and Alcaraz’s soon-to-be mixed doubles partner at the US Open. Her surprise appearance in the stands, cheering on the 22-year-old Spaniard, sparked a wave of excitement, and Alcaraz’s heartfelt response in his post-match press conference revealed a deep bond that promises to electrify their upcoming collaboration.
Alcaraz, riding a 17-match winning streak, was unaware of Raducanu’s presence during the match, his focus locked on securing a spot in the Queen’s final against Jiri Lehecka. It was only afterward, through viral clips and photos circulating online, that he learned of her support. “No, I couldn’t [speak to her],” Alcaraz said with a warm smile. “I saw on social media she came up to watch my match. I just glad. I mean, I was focused on the match. I didn’t see her. Just glad that she came to support, to watch my match. Yeah, I think it was great having her in the stands.” Raducanu, seated alongside Myah Petchey, daughter of her coach Mark Petchey, was captured laughing and playfully pouting at the big screen, her relaxed demeanor adding a spark to the ATP 500 event.
The timing of Raducanu’s visit was no coincidence. Just days earlier, the tennis world had been set abuzz by the announcement that she and Alcaraz would team up for the revamped US Open mixed doubles tournament in August, a star-studded event offering a $1 million prize and featuring top players like Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek. Dubbed “Alcaranu” by enthusiastic fans, their partnership is rooted in a long-standing friendship. “I’ve known Emma for a really long time, and I have a really good relationship with her,” Alcaraz shared earlier in the week, revealing he made a “special request” to play with her. “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma. I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me.” Jokingly, he added that Raducanu “took a while” to agree, but her eventual acceptance has set the stage for a thrilling New York showdown.
When asked if he’d return the favor by attending Raducanu’s matches at the upcoming Eastbourne Open or Wimbledon, Alcaraz was eager but pragmatic. “Well, it depends on the schedule, obviously,” he said. “I have practices. I have matches. Yeah, I would love to, yeah, if I have time, if I’m at the club or I don’t have anything else to do, I would love to come and watch her. I’m watching her matches from the TV every time that I can. So watching her in real could be fun.” His admission that he follows her games on television underscored their mutual admiration, a sentiment echoed by Raducanu’s decision to stay in London after withdrawing from the Berlin Open due to a back injury.
Raducanu’s own grass-court campaign at Queen’s was a success, reaching the quarterfinals before falling to top seed Zheng Qinwen. Now, she’s gearing up for Eastbourne, where she faces American Ann Li in the first round, with a potential clash against Ons Jabeur looming. Alcaraz, meanwhile, aims to defend his 2023 Queen’s title, a key step in his Wimbledon preparations. Their shared history as US Open champions—Raducanu in 2021, Alcaraz in 2022—adds a layer of intrigue to their doubles venture. “She’s gonna be the boss,” Alcaraz quipped, promising a partnership that’s as fun as it is competitive. As the tennis world awaits their Flushing Meadows debut, moments like Raducanu’s Queen’s visit hint at a chemistry that could light up Arthur Ashe Stadium.
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