Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has sparked headlines not only for her on-court prowess but also for her candid reflections on the deep bonds she’s forged in the high-stakes world of professional tennis. Speaking ahead of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, the 22-year-old British star addressed her long-standing friendship with Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion, while deftly sidestepping swirling rumors of a romantic connection. Her comments, delivered with her trademark wit, offered a rare glimpse into the personal connections that sustain her in the whirlwind of global tournaments, even as speculation about her relationship with Alcaraz continues to captivate fans.
Raducanu’s revelations came during a lively pre-Wimbledon press conference, where she discussed the meaningful friendships she’s cultivated since her breakout year in 2021. Among them is her bond with Alcaraz, which began during their parallel rises at Wimbledon that year. “We both started getting to know each other when I had that little run at Wimbledon and he had the five-set [match] in the first round,” she shared, recalling their early days as 18-year-olds navigating the sport’s biggest stage. “Ever since we’ve stayed in touch.” That connection deepened at the 2021 US Open, where Raducanu made history as the first qualifier to win a major, while Alcaraz notched a breakthrough victory 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, her admiration evident. “It was really cool to kind of go through that tournament together.”
The announcement that Raducanu and Alcaraz will team up for mixed doubles at the 2025 US Open fueled speculation about their relationship, especially after Raducanu was spotted cheering for Alcaraz at the Queen’s Club Championships in June. Social media buzzed with talk of a “spark” between the two, with some fans dubbing their chemistry a “better love story than Twilight.” Raducanu, however, was quick to set the record straight with a playful smile. “We’re just good friends,” she told reporters, adding, “I’m glad the internet is having fun and we’re providing some entertainment for everyone.” Her lighthearted response, paired with a quip of “Way to wrap up!” when the moderator cut off further questions, showcased her ability to handle the spotlight with grace.
Raducanu’s comments also touched on the broader importance of friendships in tennis, a sport that often isolates players with its relentless travel and individual competition. “It is nice, and I think, for all of us, we really value those connections that we had from when we were young,” she said. “When you become a bit more known or a bit more successful, you just find yourself reverting back to people you knew from a young age because that’s a real genuine connection.” Her bond with Alcaraz, rooted in shared ambition and mutual respect, exemplifies this. She praised his character, noting, “He’s so nice, very happy, amazing values and just a really positive light to be around.” Their joint practice sessions, including a lively volley practice at a Wimbledon Evian event, underscored their easy camaraderie.
The dating rumors gained traction after Raducanu’s visible support for Alcaraz at Queen’s, where she arrived minutes after him and was seen laughing and joking together. Some observers pointed to her “coy smile” and “hair-preen gestures” during interviews as signs of something more, but Raducanu’s consistent message has been one of platonic admiration. Alcaraz, too, has emphasized their friendship, saying, “I’ve known Emma for a really long time, and I have a really good relationship with her.” He admitted to personally requesting her as his US Open doubles partner, joking, “She’s going to be the boss!” Raducanu, for her part, teased that she made him wait for her answer to “keep him on his toes,” but confirmed, “Of course I was going to say yes.”
Beyond Alcaraz, Raducanu highlighted her close friendship with British No. 1 Jack Draper, another rising star. Their long-standing connection, built through years on the junior circuit, has also sparked rumors, with Australian player Nick Kyrgios playfully suggesting a “love triangle” involving Raducanu, Alcaraz, and Draper. Raducanu laughed off the speculation, focusing instead on the grounding influence of these friendships. Her tennis journey, marked by a meteoric rise and subsequent injury struggles—including wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023—has made these bonds even more vital. Now ranked No. 38, she’s climbing back toward the top, with a third-round Wimbledon loss to Aryna Sabalenka in 2025 showing her resilience.
As Raducanu prepares for the US Open, where she and Alcaraz aim to make waves in mixed doubles, she remains focused on her game and her genuine connections. “The last couple matches I’ve been following Carlos, and it’s just good to watch before my own match,” she said, noting how his flair inspires her. With her signature blend of humor and humility, Raducanu navigates the spotlight, proving that in tennis, friendships can be as powerful as forehands.
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