Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has once again found herself at the center of public fascination, not just for her prowess on the tennis court but for the relentless scrutiny of her personal life. The 22-year-old British tennis star, currently preparing for the 2025 US Open, recently opened up about the invasive curiosity surrounding her romantic relationships, particularly following an awkward moment at Wimbledon earlier this year. Her candid remarks, shared in a heartfelt interview, shed light on the challenges of navigating fame while maintaining privacy, especially after a “terrible” press conference incident that left her visibly frustrated.
The controversy erupted during the 2025 Wimbledon Championships when Raducanu’s compatriot, Cameron Norrie, was blindsided by a reporter’s question about whether he was dating her. Norrie, who has been in a long-term relationship with Louise Jacobi since 2019, was visibly taken aback, responding with a stunned, “Sorry?!” The reporter pressed further, clarifying, “I am trying to find out who is dating Emma Raducanu. It seems to be a question circulating among all the men’s singles… I was wondering if you’re dating her, please?” Norrie, clearly uncomfortable, replied, “I’m not, no. You can ask her. I don’t know.” Reflecting on the exchange, Raducanu chuckled but didn’t mince words, calling it “terrible, terrible.” The incident underscored the intrusive nature of the speculation that has followed her since her meteoric rise to fame.
Raducanu’s journey to stardom began at 18, when she stunned the tennis world by winning the 2021 US Open as a qualifier, becoming the first British woman to claim a Grand Slam singles title since Virginia Wade in 1977. Her fairytale run in New York catapulted her into the global spotlight, but it also invited intense media attention that often veered into her personal life. Rumors have swirled about her connections with fellow tennis stars, notably Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time Wimbledon champion. The speculation intensified when Raducanu was spotted supporting Alcaraz at Queen’s Club Championships earlier this summer, and reports surfaced of a hotel visit involving the pair. However, Raducanu has been resolute in setting the record straight, firmly stating, “We’re just good friends.” The two are now set to partner in the mixed doubles event at the 2025 US Open, a collaboration that has only fueled further chatter, which Raducanu addressed lightheartedly: “I’m glad the internet is having fun and we’re providing some entertainment for everyone.”
Beyond her on-court achievements, Raducanu’s personal life has been a magnet for headlines. She was previously linked to Carlo Agostinelli, the son of billionaire financier Robert Agostinelli. The pair began dating in May 2023, making public appearances together at high-profile events like Paris Fashion Week and Dior’s 2024 Cruise show in Mexico. Their relationship, however, ended in the summer of 2024, with reports indicating that Raducanu had unfollowed and blocked Agostinelli on social media. While she has not commented directly on the split, her focus has remained on her tennis career, which has seen a resurgence in 2025. After a challenging 2023 marked by wrist and ankle surgeries, Raducanu reached the semifinals in Washington, DC, and competed strongly in the Canadian and Cincinnati Opens, though she fell to top seed Aryna Sabalenka in the latter’s third round.
The constant intrusion into her private life has taken a toll, compounded by distressing incidents that have heightened her caution. Earlier this year, during the Dubai Tennis Championships, Raducanu faced a harrowing encounter with a stalker who exhibited “fixated behaviour.” The incident, which saw her reduced to tears on court, forced her to seek refuge behind the umpire’s chair. “I literally couldn’t see the ball through tears,” she recalled. “I could barely breathe.” The individual, who had approached her in multiple cities and left a note at her hotel, was removed and banned from WTA events. The experience profoundly impacted Raducanu, leading her to abandon solo walks and increase her security measures. “After the Dubai incident, that was probably the worst [public attention] I’ve had,” she said. “I found it very difficult going out. I don’t really go out on my own as much. No solo walks. Just always having someone watching my back.”
Despite these challenges, Raducanu’s resilience shines through. Her parents, Ion Raducanu and Renee Zhai, have been steadfast pillars of support, instilling a disciplined work ethic that she credits for her success. “My parents were very much against [boyfriends] as it interfered with training,” she shared, reflecting on her strict upbringing. This focus has propelled her back into the world’s top 50, with her sights set on recapturing the US Open title she won four years ago. As she prepares to compete in both singles and mixed doubles at Flushing Meadows, Raducanu remains determined to let her racquet do the talking, even as the spotlight on her personal life refuses to dim.
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