The sun-soaked courts of the Queen’s Club Championships in London have long been a stage for tennis drama, but this week, a heartwarming moment stole the spotlight. Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2 and reigning Wimbledon champion, was powering through his semifinal match against compatriot Roberto Bautista Agut when an unexpected spectator caught the tennis world’s attention: Emma Raducanu, the British No. 1 and Alcaraz’s soon-to-be mixed doubles partner at the US Open. Her presence in the stands, cheering on the Spaniard, added a layer of excitement to an already thrilling day, and Alcaraz’s reaction afterward revealed a genuine bond between the two young stars.
Alcaraz delivered a masterclass, securing a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Bautista Agut to book his place in the final of the ATP 500 event. Focused on the match, he didn’t notice Raducanu in the crowd until later, when social media buzzed with images of her smiling from the balcony alongside Myah Petchey, the daughter of her coach, Mark Petchey. “No, I couldn’t [speak to her afterward],” Alcaraz said with a grin in his post-match press conference. “I saw on social media she came up to watch my match. I just glad. I mean, I was focused on the match. I didn’t see her. Just glad that she came to support, to watch my match. Yeah, I think it was great having her in the stands.”
The gesture was particularly meaningful given the duo’s recent announcement that they’ll team up for the revamped US Open mixed doubles event in August, a high-profile tournament offering a $1 million prize and featuring top singles players. Nicknamed “Alcaranu” by fans, their partnership has already ignited global anticipation. Alcaraz, a five-time Grand Slam champion, revealed he made a “special request” to play with Raducanu, emphasizing their long-standing friendship. “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma,” he said earlier in the week. “She’s gonna be the boss. I’m super excited about it. I think it’s going to be great. We are going to enjoy it, for sure.”
Raducanu’s appearance at Queen’s came days after her own solid run at the women’s event, where she reached the quarterfinals before falling to top seed Zheng Qinwen. A nagging back injury forced her to withdraw from the Berlin Open, but her decision to stay in London and support Alcaraz underscored their camaraderie. Clad in a stylish yellow outfit with sunglasses perched on her head, Raducanu was caught on camera laughing and pouting playfully at the big screen, delighting fans who shared clips online. “Emma Raducanu is keeping an eye on her mixed doubles partner in the Queen’s Club semis,” one fan posted, fueling excitement for their upcoming collaboration.
The 22-year-old Spaniard expressed a desire to return the favor, hinting at watching Raducanu compete at the Eastbourne Open or Wimbledon if his schedule allows. “Well, it depends on the schedule, obviously,” he said. “I have practices. I have matches. Yeah, I would love to, yeah, if I have time, if I’m at the club or I don’t have anything else to do, yeah, I would love to come and watch her.” His words reflect a mutual admiration that promises to make their US Open partnership a fan favorite.
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has had a challenging season managing injuries but showed promising form on grass. She faces American Ann Li in Eastbourne’s first round, with a potential clash against two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur looming. Alcaraz, meanwhile, is riding a 17-match winning streak and aims to defend his Queen’s title against Jiri Lehecka. Their shared journey as former US Open winners and their infectious chemistry off the court have fans dreaming of magic in New York. As Alcaraz put it, “We will try to win, but obviously, it’s going to be really, really fun.”
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