As the tennis world gears up for the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, British star Emma Raducanu finds herself at the center of both sporting and personal speculation. The 22-year-old, ranked No. 38 globally, is set to face teenage wildcard Mimi Xu in her opening match on June 30, but it’s her off-court connection with two-time Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz that has captured headlines. The announcement of their mixed doubles partnership at the upcoming US Open in August has fueled rampant romance rumours, intensified by their recent interactions at the Queen’s Club Championships and a joint practice session at Wimbledon. Yet, in a pre-tournament press conference on June 28, Raducanu addressed the speculation with a succinct four-word response: “We’re just good friends.” Her lighthearted dismissal, paired with a coy smile, has done little to quiet the buzz, but it underscores a bond rooted in mutual respect and shared history rather than romance.
The whispers began earlier in June when Raducanu was spotted cheering for Alcaraz at Queen’s Club, where he clinched a thrilling 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-2 victory over Jiri Lehecka to claim his second title at the event. Observers noted their close interactions, with Raducanu arriving at the venue just minutes after Alcaraz and the pair reportedly seen laughing and joking together. “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 remarked, noting that even broadcasters and tournament staff were abuzz with gossip. Their chemistry was further highlighted during a promotional event for Evian, Wimbledon’s official water sponsor, where they practiced volleys together on Friday, June 27, at the All England Club. “Yeah, we were just getting some volley practicing ahead of New York,” Raducanu said of the session. “I’m really happy obviously to be playing with him. Yeah, we had a good time yesterday.”
Raducanu and Alcaraz, both 22, share a friendship that dates back to Wimbledon 2021, when both were 18 and making waves as rising stars. “I’ve known him for years,” Raducanu shared, recalling how their paths crossed during her dream run to the fourth round and Alcaraz’s breakthrough third-round win over Stefanos Tsitsipas. “I remember he beat Stef in the third round, and it was like a big win, his breakout win on a big stage,” she said. “It was really cool to go through that tournament together.” Their bond deepened at the 2021 US Open, where Raducanu clinched her maiden Grand Slam title, becoming the youngest champion since Maria Sharapova in 2004, while Alcaraz reached the quarter-finals. “I would see him win, and then I would have motivation to win and get myself into that position too,” she reflected. “We were staying in touch for the whole time, and yeah, it’s nice.”
The US Open mixed doubles announcement, made on June 17, added fuel to the speculation. Alcaraz, fresh off his 2025 French Open title, revealed he made a “special request” to partner with Raducanu, though she playfully kept him waiting. “Gotta keep them on their toes!” she joked, explaining she consulted her coach before agreeing. “When he asked me, I was going to say yes, I just had to go through the formality of asking my coach.” Alcaraz, equally enthusiastic, said, “I’m super excited about it. I think it’s going to be great. I’ve known Emma for a really long time, and I have a really good relationship with her.” Their partnership, one of 16 star-studded pairs including Novak Djokovic with Olga Danilovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas with Paula Badosa, is a major draw for the revamped event, which offers a $1 million prize.
Despite the romance buzz, Raducanu’s focus remains on Wimbledon, where she aims to surpass her 2021 fourth-round finish. Her recent Eastbourne campaign ended in a narrow 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(7-4) loss to Maya Joint, but she’s managing a back injury and drawing strength from past challenges, including a stalker incident in Dubai earlier in 2025. “I know there’s not many opportunities to be playing at Wimbledon,” she said. “I just want to go out there and embrace the moment.” Alcaraz, the defending champion, faces Fabio Fognini in his opener, aiming for a historic third consecutive title. While fans dream of a courtside love story, Raducanu’s cheeky sign-off—“Way to wrap up!”—after her interview moderator shut down further questions signals her intent to keep the focus on tennis. Their genuine friendship, forged through shared triumphs and mutual admiration, promises to shine at the US Open, but for now, it’s clear: they’re just good friends, ready to make history together on the court.
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