The 2025 US Open has delivered more than just on-court thrills, with tennis sensations Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz stealing headlines for their playful chemistry and a lighthearted disagreement that has fans buzzing. The 22-year-old Grand Slam champions, who teamed up for mixed doubles at Flushing Meadows, found themselves at odds during a fun Sky Sports feature where they tackled “controversial” topics, including whether couples should kiss on a first date. Their contrasting views—Alcaraz’s enthusiastic approval and Raducanu’s firm dissent—offered a glimpse into their dynamic friendship, while their undeniable camaraderie fueled ongoing speculation about their off-court bond. Despite a first-round exit in mixed doubles, their infectious energy continues to captivate the tennis world.
## A Playful Clash of Opinions
In a refreshing break from the intensity of the US Open, Raducanu and Alcaraz joined a host of tennis stars in a Sky Sports segment where players held up “friend” or “foe” cards to signal agreement or disagreement on quirky topics. When asked about kissing on a first date, Alcaraz, the five-time Grand Slam champion, didn’t hesitate, flashing the “friend” card and exclaiming, “Kiss on a first date? Jesus. Okay, I agree, yeah.” His bold stance drew laughs, but Raducanu, standing beside him, swiftly raised the “foe” card, her expression a mix of amusement and conviction. The pair’s contrasting responses sparked chuckles, with Raducanu’s quick rebuttal adding to the jovial atmosphere.
The fun didn’t stop there. The duo also clashed over another divisive topic: pineapple on pizza. Raducanu, grinning, held up the “friend” card, playfully apologizing with, “I’m so sorry!” as Alcaraz disagreed. Their banter, marked by laughter and easy rapport, highlighted the genuine connection they’ve forged since meeting at Wimbledon in 2021. “We’ve known each other for years,” Raducanu has said, recalling how their parallel breakout runs at the 2021 US Open—where she won as a qualifier and Alcaraz made waves—deepened their bond. Their shared history and mutual admiration shone through, making the segment a fan favorite.
## On-Court Partnership and Off-Court Buzz
Raducanu and Alcaraz’s mixed doubles partnership at the US Open, announced in June 2025, was a highly anticipated highlight, though it ended abruptly with a first-round loss to Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper on August 19. Despite the defeat, their chemistry was evident, with cameras capturing smiles, playful exchanges, and supportive gestures. Raducanu later took to Instagram, writing, “So much fun,” and thanking Alcaraz for being a great partner. The loss did little to dampen the excitement surrounding their collaboration, which had sparked romance rumors earlier in the summer when Raducanu was spotted supporting Alcaraz at Queen’s Club.
Addressing those rumors in a June press conference, Raducanu laughed off speculation, saying, “We’re just good friends,” with a smile that shut down further questions. Alcaraz, meanwhile, has been open about his single status, telling The Times in 2024, “I am single. It can be difficult as a tennis player to meet the right person because you are traveling all the time.” Their friendship, rooted in shared experiences as young stars navigating fame, has fueled fan fascination, with social media abuzz over their every interaction. A body language expert described their “high levels of cuteness” during the US Open, noting Raducanu’s occasional “awe” at Alcaraz’s flair, like his wrap-around-the-net shot.
## A Friendship Forged in Tennis
Raducanu and Alcaraz’s bond traces back to 2021, when both were 18 and making waves at Wimbledon and the US Open. “I remember he beat Stef [Tsitsipas] in the third round, and it was a big win, his breakout moment,” Raducanu recalled, noting how Alcaraz’s victories inspired her own historic US Open title run. Their friendship grew through shared practice sessions and sponsor events, like their Evian appearance at Wimbledon 2025. Alcaraz, now a two-time Wimbledon and French Open champion, has praised Raducanu’s potential, saying, “She plays great. I’m pretty sure she’s gonna get there.”
While Raducanu has faced challenges, including injuries that dropped her ranking to 289 in 2023, she’s climbing back, now at world number 38. Alcaraz, ranked number two, continues to dominate, though his bold new shaved-head look at the US Open drew mixed reactions, with Frances Tiafoe joking, “It’s definitely terrible,” only for Alcaraz to retort, “He likes it! I know he likes the haircut.” Their playful off-court moments, like the Sky Sports feature, contrast with their fierce competitiveness, endearing them to fans.
## Why It Matters
The Raducanu-Alcaraz dynamic transcends tennis, tapping into fans’ love for “will they/won’t they” narratives. Their first-date kiss disagreement, while trivial, humanizes two of the sport’s brightest stars, showing their ability to laugh and connect beyond the court. As Raducanu prepares for her singles campaign and Alcaraz eyes another Grand Slam, their friendship remains a feel-good storyline. Whether debating pizza toppings or dazzling at Flushing Meadows, this duo’s chemistry ensures they’ll keep fans talking long after the US Open ends.
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