In a whirlwind of tennis action at the 2025 US Open, a fleeting moment at the net has sparked a frenzy of speculation among fans and media alike. Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open women’s singles champion, found herself at the center of social media buzz following an awkward post-match exchange with fellow Brit Jack Draper after their mixed doubles clash on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Partnered with Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, Raducanu faced off against Draper and American star Jessica Pegula in a revamped mixed doubles event at Flushing Meadows. The match, part of a new “fast-four” format with a $1 million prize pot, ended in a swift 4-2, 4-2 defeat for Raducanu and Alcaraz, but it was the post-match handshake that stole the spotlight.
As the players approached the net, Draper appeared to lean in for a friendly embrace, a common gesture in tennis to acknowledge a hard-fought match. However, Raducanu opted for a brisk handshake, quickly moving on to share warm hugs with both Pegula and Alcaraz. The contrast was stark, and fans on social media were quick to dissect the interaction, with some labeling Raducanu’s response as “cold as ice.” Speculation ran wild, with theories ranging from competitive tension to personal history between the two British stars. One fan remarked online, “She didn’t look too impressed, don’t blame her,” while another suggested Draper’s aggressive play, often targeting Raducanu during the match, might have left her less than eager for a hug.
Raducanu, known for keeping her private life under wraps, broke her silence on the viral moment with a lighthearted quip that added fuel to the ongoing chatter. “Carlos told me if I hug Jack then we are through. He gets really jealous,” she joked, playfully referencing her camaraderie with Alcaraz. The comment, delivered with her characteristic wit, aimed to diffuse the speculation while highlighting the strong bond she shares with her mixed doubles partner. Raducanu and Alcaraz, both 22, had generated significant buzz before the tournament, with their off-court chemistry and mutual admiration drawing attention. “He’s so nice, very happy, amazing values, and just a really positive light to be around,” Raducanu said of Alcaraz, reflecting on their connection that began at Wimbledon 2021.
The match itself was a showcase of star power, with Raducanu and Alcaraz facing the top-seeded duo of Draper and Pegula. Despite the loss, the pair displayed flashes of brilliance, with Raducanu beaming after key points and Alcaraz delivering powerful serves that set up her volleys. However, Draper and Pegula’s dominance was undeniable, breaking serve early and maintaining control throughout the 50-minute contest. Draper, fresh off a career-high ranking of world No. 7 after his Indian Wells triumph earlier in 2025, was gracious in victory. “What an experience out here playing with Jessica against Emma and Carlos,” he said on court. “It doesn’t get any better than this.”
The mixed doubles event, a highlight of the US Open’s Fan Week, has stirred debate with its shortened format and hefty prize money, designed to lure top singles players like Raducanu, Alcaraz, and Pegula. While some fans embraced the star-studded spectacle, others criticized it as a gimmick lacking the prestige of traditional Grand Slam events. For Raducanu, the tournament marked a return to Flushing Meadows’ spotlight after a challenging few years since her 2021 title run. Despite her early exit, she remains a formidable force, with her recent form pushing her close to the top 30 in the women’s rankings.
The Raducanu-Draper dynamic adds another layer of intrigue, given their long-standing friendship. Born less than a year apart, the two have trained together at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton and supported each other’s careers. “She’s extremely bubbly, very kind, very thoughtful, always giggling, really smart,” Draper once said of Raducanu, while she recently praised his rise, noting, “It’s amazing to see what he’s achieved.” Yet, the net exchange suggested a moment of competitive friction, with some fans speculating that Draper’s aggressive tactics, including targeting Raducanu with serves and shots, may have contributed to the chilly handshake.
As the US Open continues, Raducanu’s focus shifts to the singles draw, where her recent performances signal a potential deep run. The viral moment, while fleeting, underscores the intense scrutiny athletes face, with every gesture magnified in the social media age. For now, Raducanu’s playful response keeps the narrative light, but the tennis world will be watching closely as she and Draper continue to carry British hopes on the global stage.
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