Emma Raducanu, the British tennis star, is gearing up for a blockbuster partnership with Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the revamped mixed doubles event at the 2025 US Open. The 22-year-old, who made history as the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam singles title at the 2021 US Open, recently shared heartfelt sentiments about her long-standing friendship with the five-time Grand Slam champion. Their bond, forged during their meteoric rises in 2021, has captivated fans and added a layer of excitement to their upcoming collaboration in New York. As Raducanu prepares for Wimbledon, her reflections on Alcaraz reveal a connection rooted in mutual respect, shared experiences, and genuine camaraderie.
The story of their friendship began at Wimbledon 2021, when both were precocious teenagers navigating the pressures of professional tennis. Raducanu, then 18, recalls, “I’ve known him for years and actually in Wimbledon 2021 was kind of the first time I started getting to know him.” Their paths converged again at the US Open that year, where they both enjoyed breakthrough runs. Alcaraz’s stunning third-round upset over Stefanos Tsitsipas was a defining moment, and Raducanu found inspiration in his success. “I remember he was always playing the day before me,” she said. “I would see him win and then I would have motivation to win and get myself into that position too.” Their shared journey through Flushing Meadows, where Raducanu clinched the title and Alcaraz reached the quarterfinals, cemented a bond that has endured despite their diverging career trajectories.
Now, as they prepare to team up for the US Open’s $1 million mixed doubles event in August, Raducanu emphasizes the value of their early connection. “I think for all of us, we really kind of value those connections that we had from when we were young,” she said, reflecting on the authenticity of friendships formed before fame. “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 you’re like, that’s a real genuine connection.” Alcaraz, now world No. 2 with titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, has “obviously overtaken me a lot,” Raducanu admitted with a smile, but their relationship remains strong. “It’s nice to have someone from way back who knew you before everything changed,” she added.
The announcement of their partnership, dubbed “Alcaranu” by fans, sent the tennis world into a frenzy. Alcaraz initiated the collaboration, making a “special request” to play with Raducanu. “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma,” he said after a match at Queen’s Club, where he recently won his fourth grass-court title. However, Raducanu kept him waiting before agreeing. “Gotta keep them on their toes!” she joked, explaining, “I had to ask my team if they wanted me to play. But for me, when he asked me, I was going to say yes; I just had to go through the formality of asking my coach.” Alcaraz, with characteristic humor, declared, “She’s gonna be the boss,” hinting at a dynamic partnership built on mutual respect and playful banter.
Raducanu’s admiration for Alcaraz extends beyond their friendship. She praises his infectious energy, noting, “He’s so nice, very happy, amazing values and just a really positive light to be around.” Watching him play, she sees a player who thrives on curiosity and joy. “When I see him play, he’s always got a smile on his face and that’s, I feel like, why he’s able to do such crazy shots,” she said. Their recent interactions, including Raducanu’s appearance in the stands at Alcaraz’s Queen’s Club semifinal against Roberto Bautista Agut, have fueled fan excitement. “I saw on social media she came up to watch my match,” Alcaraz said, smiling. “I’m just glad that she came to support.” He vowed to return the favor, promising to watch Raducanu’s matches when his schedule allows, a gesture that underscores their supportive dynamic.
As Raducanu competes at Eastbourne against Ann Li, her final tune-up before Wimbledon, she carries the confidence of a player rediscovering her form. Despite managing back pain and a recent stalker scare, which Wimbledon authorities resolved by blocking the individual from the SW19 ballot, Raducanu remains focused. “Wimbledon and everyone did an amazing job,” she told reporters, expressing gratitude for the support. Her partnership with Alcaraz, set to unfold on the grand stages of Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong courts, promises to be a highlight of the US Open. With other star-studded pairings like Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro, the event is poised to redefine mixed doubles. For Raducanu and Alcaraz, it’s a chance to blend their talents, rekindle their shared history, and create new memories in a sport they both love.
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