Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old British tennis sensation, has once again captured the spotlight, not only for her remarkable achievements on the court but also for her intriguing connection with Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz. As the two prepare to team up for the revamped US Open mixed doubles event in August 2025, their friendship has ignited a flurry of speculation across England, with fans and media alike buzzing about the nature of their bond. This dynamic duo, both former US Open champions, has a history that stretches back to their breakout moments in 2021, and their upcoming collaboration promises to be a highlight of the tennis season.
Raducanu’s rise to fame was nothing short of meteoric. Born in Toronto to a Chinese mother and Romanian father, she moved to London at age two, where her multicultural upbringing shaped her disciplined and ambitious approach to tennis. Starting the sport at five, she honed her skills with a work ethic instilled by her parents, Renee and Ian, who remain key figures in her career decisions. Her breakthrough came at Wimbledon 2021, where, as a wildcard, she reached the fourth round, captivating audiences with her fearless play. Just months later, she made history at the US Open, becoming the first player—male or female—to win a Grand Slam title from the qualifying rounds, doing so without dropping a single set in ten matches. “It was really cool to kind of go through that tournament together,” Raducanu recalled of her time with Alcaraz during that 2021 US Open, where both were emerging as tennis’s brightest young stars.
Carlos Alcaraz, also 22, has followed a similarly dazzling trajectory. The world No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion, including two Wimbledon titles, first crossed paths with Raducanu at Wimbledon 2021. Their friendship deepened during that year’s US Open, where Alcaraz’s third-round victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas marked his breakout moment. “I remember he beat Stef [Tsitsipas] in the third round, and it was like a big win, his breakout win on a big stage,” Raducanu shared, reflecting on how their parallel journeys fostered a genuine connection. Their bond, rooted in shared experiences before fame, has endured despite Alcaraz’s rapid ascent to the pinnacle of the sport. “We have a good relationship still. He’s obviously overtaken me a lot, but it’s nice we have that from a while ago,” she said, emphasizing the value of friendships formed early in their careers.
The announcement of their US Open mixed doubles partnership has sent ripples through the tennis world. Alcaraz, who initiated the collaboration with a “special request” to Raducanu, is thrilled about the opportunity. “She’s gonna be the boss,” he grinned, acknowledging Raducanu’s leadership on the court. The event, set for August 19-20 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, is a bold reinvention by the United States Tennis Association, designed to showcase top singles players in a high-stakes, $1 million competition. Raducanu, initially hesitant, consulted her team before agreeing, joking, “Gotta keep them on their toes!” Their pairing, dubbed “Alcaranu” by fans, is one of several star-studded teams, including Novak Djokovic with Olga Danilovic and Naomi Osaka with Nick Kyrgios, but none have generated as much excitement as this one.
Off the court, Raducanu’s life reflects her multifaceted identity. Passionate about mathematics and fluent in Mandarin and Romanian, she has become a global ambassador for brands like Dior, Tiffany & Co., Nike, and British Airways, embodying the modern, multicultural face of British sport. Despite her fame, she remains reserved, focused on personal growth and expressing interest in pursuing university studies in the future. Her grounded nature was evident when she addressed recent challenges, including a stalking incident that left her shaken. “Wimbledon and everyone did an amazing job. I got a notification, the police contacted me and told me everything was OK,” she told reporters, expressing gratitude for the protection measures in place.
The speculation about a romantic link between Raducanu and Alcaraz has been fueled by their public interactions, including Raducanu’s appearance at Alcaraz’s semi-final match at Queen’s Club in June 2025. “I saw on social media she came up to watch my match. I’m just glad,” Alcaraz said, smiling, after his victory over Roberto Bautista Agut. Raducanu, who was enjoying a day off with friends, downplayed the visit, noting, “I was having the day off on Saturday and I was with my friends, and we were like, let’s go to Queen’s and watch the tennis.” Yet, their chemistry in a viral US Open promotional video, where they playfully struggled to align on a coin toss, only intensified the chatter. Raducanu addressed the rumors with characteristic poise: “I’m glad the internet’s having fun and we’re providing some entertainment for everyone.”
As Raducanu prepares for Wimbledon, where she faces Ann Li in Eastbourne’s first round, and Alcaraz gears up to defend his title, their partnership remains a testament to their enduring friendship. Both single—Raducanu split with Carlo Agostinelli in 2024, and Alcaraz has confirmed he’s “looking for someone”—they navigate the challenges of romance amidst demanding schedules. “It’s complicated, never staying in one place,” Alcaraz once told Vogue, echoing the sentiments of many elite athletes. For now, their focus is on tennis, with Raducanu drawing inspiration from Alcaraz’s creative shot-making: “It’s like a coming from a place of curiosity. Like, what can I do with this?”
As the US Open approaches, the tennis world eagerly awaits whether Raducanu and Alcaraz can translate their camaraderie into on-court success. Their story, one of friendship, mutual respect, and shared ambition, continues to captivate fans, proving that sometimes, the most compelling narratives unfold both on and off the court.
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