The tennis world has been abuzz with speculation about a possible romance between Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz and British sensation Emma Raducanu, fueled by their upcoming mixed doubles partnership at the 2025 US Open. The rumors reached a fever pitch after a video surfaced of the pair laughing and practicing together at Wimbledon, prompting fans and media alike to wonder if their chemistry extends beyond the court. Alcaraz, fresh off a hard-fought Wimbledon campaign, addressed the chatter with his trademark charisma, offering a playful yet definitive response that has only added to the intrigue surrounding this dynamic duo.
The 22-year-old Alcaraz, a five-time Grand Slam champion, and Raducanu, the 2021 US Open winner, have known each other since their breakout runs at Wimbledon 2021. Their friendship, forged through shared tournaments and mutual admiration, took center stage when the US Open announced their mixed doubles pairing for the tournament starting August 19, 2025. The announcement sparked a frenzy on social media, with fans pointing to moments like Raducanu cheering for Alcaraz at the Queen’s Club Championships in June 2025 and their joint appearance at a promotional event for Evian, Wimbledon’s official water sponsor. “Emma and Carlos’ friendship was the talk of Queens—people think there is something going on between them because they have such a spark,” an insider noted, capturing the excitement that has followed their every interaction.
In a press conference following his thrilling five-set victory over Fabio Fognini in the first round at Wimbledon, Alcaraz was asked about Raducanu’s presence in the stands during his 2024 Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic. With a mischievous grin, he deflected the speculation with humor: “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, coupled with his insistence that they are “just good friends,” did little to quell the rumors, especially after he revealed he made a “special request” to partner with Raducanu at the US Open. “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma,” he said, adding that he was thrilled when she agreed—albeit after a playful delay. “Gotta keep them on their toes!” Raducanu quipped, explaining she consulted her coach before saying yes.
Raducanu, also 22, has been equally candid about their bond, emphasizing its platonic nature. At a pre-Wimbledon press conference on June 28, 2025, she laughed off the romance rumors, saying, “We’re just good friends.” Her playful reaction, followed by a cheeky “Way to wrap up!” when the moderator cut off further questions, drew laughter from reporters and endeared her to fans. She elaborated on their friendship, noting, “I’ve known him for years. Wimbledon 2021 was the first time I started getting to know him. He was always playing the day before me, I would see him win, and then I would have motivation to win and get myself into that position too.” Their shared journey through the 2021 season, including Raducanu’s historic US Open triumph, has kept them in touch, with Alcaraz’s meteoric rise inspiring her own comeback from injuries.
The video that set tongues wagging captured Alcaraz and Raducanu practicing volleys together at Wimbledon’s Aorangi Park, their laughter and easy rapport evident. Both endorsed by Evian, they were promoting the brand while preparing for their US Open collaboration. “We were just getting some volley practicing ahead of New York,” Raducanu said, adding, “I’m really happy obviously to be playing with him.” Alcaraz, ever the gentleman, dubbed her “the boss” in their partnership, jokingly telling the BBC, “I’ll just serve and I’m gonna pull myself away and I let her play.” His deference to Raducanu’s court coverage sparked chuckles, with Raducanu playfully asking, “I would like to know how much of the court he can cover in New York?”
Despite their denials, the tennis world remains captivated by their chemistry. Australian star Nick Kyrgios added fuel to the fire with a mischievous comment on talkSPORT, suggesting a “love triangle” involving Raducanu, Alcaraz, and British player Jack Draper. “The tennis world loves a love story,” Kyrgios teased, highlighting the public’s fascination with Raducanu’s off-court life. Meanwhile, former WTA star Danielle Collins joined the fun, calling Raducanu a “heartbreaker” after her press conference quip, adding a lighthearted jab that went viral.
Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. After clinching the French Open title in June, he fell short of a third consecutive Wimbledon crown, losing to World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a gripping 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 final on July 13, 2025. A post on X claimed Alcaraz was distracted by a text from Raducanu saying she couldn’t attend the final, but the Spaniard has not confirmed this, and such posts remain unverified. Raducanu, meanwhile, reached the fourth round at Wimbledon before falling to Aryna Sabalenka, showing resilience after wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023. Their upcoming US Open partnership promises to be a highlight, with fans eager to see if their on-court synergy matches their off-court rapport.
As the tennis world awaits their New York debut, Alcaraz and Raducanu continue to charm with their genuine friendship and mutual respect. “He’s so nice, very happy, amazing values, and just a really positive light to be around,” Raducanu said of Alcaraz, while he praised her talent, saying, “She plays great. I have a lot of confidence in her.” Whether they’re trading volleys or deflecting rumors, this duo is proving that their bond—romantic or not—is a winning combination.
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