Upon the release of the US Open mixed doubles entry list, the pair that garnered the most attention on social media was Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu. Between the two, who are just friends, there is–and never was–anything romantic, at least officially. However, fans online have been speculating about a possible romance for some time, and they warmly welcomed their partnership in New York, where both had previously won the tournament, one year apart.
Raducanu on Accepting Alcaraz’s Invitation
This will be the first time they share the court, and both were asked multiple times about it–from their relationship to what can be expected from the tournament. They were both open to talking and joking about it, fueling the excitement.
“He asked me earlier in the year, and I was very surprised and honored and obviously excited. I just went through the formality of asking my coach, but of course I was going to say yes,” Emma Raducanu told the BBC in a wide-ranging interview.
A Friendship That Dates Back to 2021
She also discussed her friendship with Alcaraz: “We go back a long way and I think we both started getting to know each other a lot more in 2021. When I had that little run at Wimbledon, he also I think he won in five sets in the first round or something.” It was in New York that their bond truly grew stronger.
“All through the US Open and he had a big breakout win against Stef (Tsitsipas) in the third round but I was always trying to like join him in the next round because he was playing the day before me.” Raducanu finally added: “Ever since we’ve stayed in touch and he’s done so weel obviously since and continued winning and it’s been amazing to see because I kind of… yes, we were speaking and friends before anyone won anything, you know.”
Raducanu Reacts to Online Speculation
Furthermore, she was asked whether she was aware of parody accounts suggesting that she and Alcaraz are destined for each other. Here’s what she said: “No, not quite to that extent, but I’m glad the internet is having fun, and we’re providing some entertainment for everyone.”
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
