The tennis world was set ablaze with speculation this summer when a video surfaced of Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu sharing a lighthearted moment at Wimbledon, fueling rumors of a budding romance between the two young stars. The 22-year-old Spanish sensation, fresh off a thrilling but ultimately unsuccessful bid for a third consecutive Wimbledon title on July 13, 2025, found himself at the center of gossip not for his on-court prowess but for his off-court camaraderie with the British No. 1. Alcaraz, ever the charismatic showman, addressed the whispers with a playful deflection that only deepened the intrigue surrounding their friendship, while maintaining a firm stance on their platonic bond.
The buzz began in earnest when Alcaraz and Raducanu, both former US Open champions, were announced as mixed doubles partners for the revamped US Open event scheduled for August 19–20, 2025. Their chemistry was undeniable, sparked by a shared promotional event for Evian at Wimbledon’s All England Club on June 27, where they were spotted laughing and practicing volleys together. Raducanu, 22, who won her historic US Open title in 2021, was also seen cheering Alcaraz on during his Queen’s Club Championships run, where he clinched a 7–5, 6–7(5), 6–2 victory over Jiri Lehecka. Their frequent interactions, coupled with their decision to team up in New York, sent social media into a frenzy, with fans speculating about a potential “tennis power couple.”
Alcaraz, however, was quick to set the record straight during a press conference following his 2024 Wimbledon triumph over Novak Djokovic. Raducanu’s presence in the Centre Court stands during that final had tongues wagging, but the Spaniard, with his signature grin, brushed off the rumors. “I don’t know, I don’t know. I think a lot of people came to see the final. I think Novak and I always put on a good game, a show on the court. I think it is a beautiful game to watch. And she is from here, so I imagine that she wanted to come and see it,” he said, adding a teasing twist: “I don’t know if she came to the finals or if she came to see me. Who knows? You have to ask her, but I hope she enjoyed the final.” His lighthearted response, paired with a chuckle, only fueled fans’ curiosity, though he insisted their relationship was purely friendly.
The anticipation for their US Open partnership has only intensified the spotlight. Alcaraz revealed he made a “special request” to team up with Raducanu, explaining, “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.” Raducanu, in her characteristic wit, admitted she kept him waiting: “Got to keep them on their toes! I mean, of course, I had to ask my team if they wanted me to play. But for me, when he asked me, I was going to say yes, I just had to go through the formality of asking my coach.” Her playful response, coupled with her candid admiration for Alcaraz—“He’s so nice, very happy, amazing values and just a really positive light to be around”—underscored the genuine connection they’ve nurtured since meeting at Wimbledon in 2021.
Their friendship traces back to that summer, when both were 18 and navigating their breakout moments. Raducanu recalled, “I’ve known him for years and actually in Wimbledon 2021, it was like kind of the first time I started getting to know him, and I had a good run there and then also again in the US Open in 2021. I remember he beat Stef [Tsitsipas] in the third round and it was like a big win, his breakout kind of win on a big stage.” Their shared journey through the pressures of early stardom forged a bond, with Raducanu noting, “We were like speaking and friends before anyone won anything.”
Despite Alcaraz’s loss to Jannik Sinner in this year’s Wimbledon final (4–6, 6–4, 6–4, 6–4), his focus has shifted to the upcoming US Open, where their doubles partnership is expected to be a highlight of Fan Week. Alcaraz’s playful deference to Raducanu, calling her “the boss” and joking, “I’m just gonna serve and I’m gonna pull myself away and I let her play,” has only endeared him to fans. Meanwhile, Raducanu, who faced a tough fourth-round exit against Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon, remains unfazed by the rumors, laughing them off with a succinct, “We’re just good friends,” during a pre-tournament press conference. Her quip, “What a way to wrap up!” as the moderator swiftly ended the questioning, left the room in laughter.
As the tennis world awaits their on-court collaboration, the Alcaraz-Raducanu saga remains a delightful subplot to the 2025 season. Their mutual respect, shared history, and undeniable charisma ensure that whether they’re serving aces or dodging rumors, all eyes will be on this dynamic duo in New York.
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