As Wimbledon 2025 approaches, the tennis world is abuzz with more than just anticipation for the grass-court Grand Slam. Fans and media alike are captivated by the rumored romance between two of the sport’s brightest stars: Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, the world number two and five-time Grand Slam champion, and Britain’s Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open winner. The speculation, fueled by their upcoming mixed doubles partnership at the US Open and a series of public interactions, has sparked a frenzy, with social media dubbing them “Alcaranu.” While the pair insist they’re just friends, their chemistry—both on and off the court—has tennis enthusiasts wondering if there’s more to their story.
The rumors began earlier this month when Alcaraz, fresh off his 2025 French Open victory, revealed he personally asked Raducanu to team up for a revamped mixed doubles event at the US Open in August, a high-profile tournament offering a $1 million prize. “I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me — I made that special request,” Alcaraz said with a smile, adding, “She’s going to be the boss.” Raducanu, who took time to consult her team before agreeing, was effusive in her response: “Yes, he asked me earlier in the year, and I was very surprised, honoured, and excited. Of course I was going to say yes.” Her playful remark about keeping Alcaraz “on his toes” by delaying her answer only added fuel to the speculation.
Their bond, which dates back to Wimbledon 2021 when both were rising stars, deepened during their breakout runs at the US Open that year—Raducanu clinching the title and Alcaraz making waves. “We have a really good relationship: I have known her for a long time,” Alcaraz shared, noting he tries to watch her matches on television and hopes to attend one in person. Raducanu echoed this sentiment, praising Alcaraz as “a really positive light to be around” and highlighting their shared playing philosophy: “We both play our best when we’re in a good creative way, we’re enjoying it. You see us smile on the court and have fun.” Their mutual admiration was evident when Raducanu cheered Alcaraz to victory at the Queen’s Club Championships in June 2025, watching his semi-final against Roberto Bautista Agut from the stands.
The rumor mill kicked into overdrive when the pair were spotted laughing and joking together in a promotional video for Evian, a brand both now represent as global ambassadors. Alcaraz, announced as Evian’s latest star on June 26, 2025, joined Raducanu, who has been with the company since her 2021 US Open triumph. “I’m glad the internet is having fun and we’re providing some entertainment for everyone,” Raducanu said, laughing off the speculation in a BBC Sport interview. Yet, body language experts have fanned the flames, pointing to Raducanu’s “coy smile” and “hair-preen gestures” when discussing Alcaraz as signs of a budding romance. One expert noted her “fan-girl reaction” during an interview at Eastbourne, where she wore purple—a color Alcaraz has often sported—prompting further speculation.
Despite the buzz, Raducanu has firmly denied romantic involvement. “I’m not too aware of the social media rumors, but we’re just good friends,” she told reporters, emphasizing their longstanding friendship. Alcaraz, who has spoken about the challenges of dating as a professional tennis player, has not publicly confirmed a relationship, and Raducanu’s split from her previous boyfriend, Carlo Agostinelli, in 2023 suggests she’s focused on her career. Still, their off-court connection, including joint appearances and Alcaraz’s support for Raducanu’s decision to prioritize her singles campaign over a doubles pairing with Andy Murray at Wimbledon, keeps fans hopeful.
As they prepare for Wimbledon—Alcaraz facing Fabio Fognini and Raducanu taking on Mimi Xu in the first round—the spotlight remains on their dynamic. Whether it’s a genuine romance or simply a close friendship, Alcaraz and Raducanu’s partnership, both on the court and as Evian ambassadors, ensures they’ll remain the talk of the tennis world. With the US Open doubles event looming, all eyes will be on “Alcaranu” to see if their chemistry translates into a championship—or something more.
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