Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has lifted the lid on her long-standing friendship with world number two Carlos Alcaraz, revealing a bond that began during their breakout moments in 2021 and now fuels their blockbuster mixed doubles partnership at the 2025 US Open. The British star, preparing for the Eastbourne Open this week, admitted she kept Alcaraz “on his toes” by delaying her response to his invitation to team up for the revamped $1 million event in August. “Gotta keep ’em on their toes!” Raducanu laughed, explaining her hesitation was a formality to consult her coach. As the tennis world anticipates their “Alcaranu” pairing at Wimbledon’s doorstep on June 30, 2025, their chemistry promises to electrify the courts and inspire a new wave of fans.
## A Friendship Born in 2021
Raducanu and Alcaraz, both 22, first connected during Wimbledon 2021, where Raducanu’s fourth-round run as a wildcard hinted at her potential. Their paths converged again at the US Open, a tournament that redefined their careers. Raducanu, ranked 150th, stunned the world by winning the women’s singles title without dropping a serve, while Alcaraz, then 55th, reached the quarterfinals, announcing himself as a prodigy. “I’ve known him for years, and actually in Wimbledon 2021 it was like kind of the first time I started getting to know him,” Raducanu shared, reflecting on their early days. “We have a good relationship still. He’s obviously overtaken me a lot, but it’s nice that we have that from a while ago.” Their mutual admiration, rooted in shared struggles and triumphs as young stars, has endured, with Raducanu crediting Alcaraz’s 2021 run as motivation for her own historic victory.
## The US Open Mixed Doubles Adventure
The announcement of their US Open mixed doubles partnership, set for August 19-20 during Fan Week, sent shockwaves through the tennis community. The revamped event, featuring a streamlined two-day format and star-studded pairings like Jannik Sinner-Emma Navarro and Stefanos Tsitsipas-Paula Badosa, aims to showcase top talent. Alcaraz, a five-time Grand Slam champion, initiated the collaboration, admitting, “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma.” His excitement is palpable: “I’m super excited about it. I think it’s going to be great.” Raducanu, though initially hesitant, was always inclined to say yes. “Of course I was going to say yes,” she said, noting she consulted her team to ensure the decision aligned with her schedule. Her playful delay prompted Alcaraz to joke that she “took a while” to respond, adding a lighthearted twist to their dynamic.
## Support and Synergy at Queen’s Club
Raducanu’s bond with Alcaraz was on full display when she attended his Queen’s Club Championships semifinal on June 21, 2025, watching him defeat Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 6-4 to reach the final. Recovering from a back spasm that forced her withdrawal from the Berlin Open, Raducanu joined Myah Petchey, daughter of her coach Mark, on the balcony, cheering her future doubles partner. “Just glad Emma Raducanu came,” Alcaraz said, delighted by her unexpected support, though he learned of her presence via social media. He expressed a desire to return the gesture, saying, “I would love to come and watch her. I’m watching her matches from the TV every time that I can. So watching her in real could be fun.” Raducanu’s quarterfinal run at Queen’s, where she fell to Zheng Qinwen, showcased her grass court promise, setting the stage for Eastbourne and Wimbledon.
## A Partnership with Promise
The “Alcaranu” pairing has sparked excitement, with former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez predicting, “They’re going to be fun to watch and to see the great energy that Carlos has to bring to the table.” Alcaraz’s raw power and agility complement Raducanu’s sharp returns and court vision, promising on-court chemistry. “She’s gonna be the boss,” Alcaraz quipped, embracing Raducanu’s leadership. However, former doubles world number one Rennae Stubbs called them the “weakest pair” among entries, citing their limited doubles experience. Raducanu remains undeterred, valuing their connection: “It is nice and I think, for all of us, we really value those connections that we had from when we were young.” Their friendship, forged in 2021’s “concrete jungle,” adds emotional weight to their US Open reunion.
## Looking Ahead
As Raducanu faces Ann Li in Eastbourne and Alcaraz eyes a Wimbledon three-peat, their US Open partnership looms as a highlight of 2025. The hashtag #Alcaranu trended on X within hours of their announcement, with fans buzzing—one user posted, “Raducanu and Alcaraz together? Tennis just got epic!” With Raducanu’s wit and Alcaraz’s infectious positivity, their collaboration promises to captivate Flushing Meadows, proving their 2021 connection is as strong as ever.
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