In the vibrant world of professional tennis, where rivalries often dominate the headlines, a refreshing story of friendship has emerged between two of the sport’s brightest young stars: Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz. Both 22 years old, the British and Spanish sensations have forged a bond that began during their breakout moments in 2021 and is now set to captivate fans as they team up for the revamped mixed doubles event at the 2025 US Open. As Wimbledon approaches, their “genuine connection” has sparked excitement, blending on-court chemistry with off-court camaraderie that promises to make their partnership a highlight of the tennis season.
Their friendship took root during the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, a pivotal moment for both players. Raducanu, then an 18-year-old wildcard ranked 150th, reached the fourth round in a stunning debut, while Alcaraz, ranked 55th, announced his arrival by defeating third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in a five-set thriller at the US Open later that year. “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 in Eastbourne, her voice warm with nostalgia. “He was always playing the day before me, I would see him win and then I would have motivation to win and get myself into that position too.” Their parallel journeys through the 2021 US Open, where Raducanu made history as the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam and Alcaraz reached the quarterfinals, deepened their bond. “We have a good relationship still,” she added, noting that despite Alcaraz’s meteoric rise to five Grand Slam titles, their connection remains grounded in those early days.
The announcement of their mixed doubles partnership at the 2025 US Open, set for August 19 in a streamlined two-day format with a $1 million prize pool, has sent ripples through the tennis world. Alcaraz, the reigning French Open champion and two-time Wimbledon winner, initiated the pairing. “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma,” he said at Queen’s Club, grinning. “I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me.” Raducanu, initially surprised, admitted she made him wait for her answer. “Gotta keep them on their toes!” she laughed, explaining that while she was eager to say yes, she consulted her team first. “I mean, of course, I had to ask my team if they thought I should play, but for me, when he asked me, I was going to say yes.”
Their chemistry extends beyond the court. Raducanu was spotted cheering Alcaraz on at Queen’s Club, where he clinched the title against Jiri Lehecka, and again at Wimbledon during his fourth-round win over Andrey Rublev. “I saw on social media she came up to watch my match,” Alcaraz said, delighted. “I was focused on the match. I didn’t see her. Just glad that she came to support.” Raducanu, who attended with friends and later dined at the River Cafe, described the outing as a fun day off. Their shared moments, including a joint appearance for Evian, Wimbledon’s official water supplier, have showcased their playful rapport. At a sponsor event, Raducanu noted, “We were just getting some volley practice ahead of New York,” hinting at their preparation for the US Open.
Both players share a similar approach to tennis, thriving on positivity and creativity. “We both play our best when we’re in a good creative way, we’re enjoying it,” Raducanu said. “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, because it’s coming from a place of curiosity.” Alcaraz, in turn, has embraced Raducanu’s leadership, jokingly calling her “the boss” on court. “I’m just gonna serve and I’m gonna pull myself away and I let her play,” he quipped. “She will cover a lot of the court. I will do whatever she wants me to do.” Their mutual respect and lighthearted banter have won over fans, with a viral US Open interview showcasing their easy dynamic earning millions of views online.
Despite their strong friendship, Raducanu has faced challenges in 2025. A lingering back injury forced her to withdraw from the Berlin Open, and she lost in the third round at Wimbledon to Aryna Sabalenka. “It’s just been managing,” she said of her injury. “I wouldn’t say it’s 100 per cent, but a lot of the time with tennis players, nothing is ever 100 per cent.” Meanwhile, Alcaraz continues his quest for a third straight Wimbledon title, facing Cameron Norrie in the quarterfinals after a grueling five-setter against Fabio Fognini. Off the court, Raducanu has dealt with personal challenges, including a stalker who was blocked from buying Wimbledon tickets. “Wimbledon and everyone did an amazing job,” she told the BBC, expressing gratitude for the support.
As they prepare for Wimbledon and their US Open debut, Raducanu and Alcaraz’s friendship is a beacon of positivity in a competitive sport. “He’s so nice, very happy, amazing values and just a really positive light to be around,” Raducanu gushed, while Alcaraz’s admiration for her is clear. Their partnership, blending elite skill with genuine connection, is poised to make the US Open mixed doubles a must-watch event, proving that in tennis, friendship can be as powerful as a forehand winner.
Leave a Reply