Emma Raducanu has shared insights into her relationship with fellow tennis star, Carlos Alcaraz.
The announcement last week revealed that the high-profile pair will be teaming up for the revamped mixed doubles event at the US Open in August.
Emma Raducanu discussing her relationship with Carlos Alcaraz.
Raducanu, aged 22, attracted considerable attention when she attended the Queen`s tournament on Saturday to support her new doubles partner at the prestigious West London venue.
Sources reported that the perceived “spark” between Alcaraz and Raducanu was a prominent topic of conversation at Queen`s throughout the week.
The British No. 1 was unable to attend Alcaraz`s victory over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday as she had traveled to Eastbourne for her final preparatory event before Wimbledon.
Speaking ahead of her opening match against Ann Li, Raducanu elaborated on the details of her partnership with Alcaraz.
Raducanu watching Alcaraz compete at Queen`s.
Addressing the world No. 2`s playful remark that her response took some time, she explained, “Naturally, I needed to check with my team about playing. But for me, as soon as he asked, I intended to say yes. I just had to follow the proper procedure of confirming with my coach, so it wasn`t solely my personal decision.”
When presented with the common fan jest that she and Alcaraz are “meant to be,” the British player laughed, commenting, “I`m pleased the internet is having fun, and we are able to provide some entertainment for everyone.”
Detailing the origins of their friendship, Raducanu added, “I`ve known him for many years. It was really during Wimbledon 2021 that I started getting to know him better, especially after my good run there, and then again at the US Open in 2021.”
Raducanu and Alcaraz have maintained a good relationship.
She recalled, “He would often play the day before me, and I`d be scheduled for the second day of the round. Seeing him win would motivate me to achieve the same. I particularly remember his significant breakthrough victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round. It was really cool to kind of go through that tournament experience together. I continued through the US Open, and we kept in touch the entire time. It`s a nice connection.”
Throughout her career, Raducanu has demonstrated a tendency to lean on people she knew before her 2021 US Open victory. This is evident in her coaching choices, frequently returning to former mentors and trusted figures such as Mark Petchey, Nick Cavaday, and Jane O`Donoghue.
Further commenting on her bond with Alcaraz, Raducanu stated, “We still have a positive relationship. He has obviously progressed significantly beyond me in terms of ranking, but it`s good that we have that connection from earlier times.”
“I believe for all of us [tennis players], we truly value those friendships we formed when we were younger because once you become more widely known or successful, you naturally gravitate towards people you`ve known for a long time. These feel like genuinely real connections. As life gets busier and you acquire many new acquaintances, the relationships you`ve had for a long time become much more meaningful,” she concluded.
According to a source who spoke to SunSport earlier this week, “Emma and Carlos’ friendship was the big topic at Queen`s – people sensed something might be developing because of the clear spark between them. He was reportedly seen at her hotel last week, and on both Thursday and Saturday when Emma came to watch him, her car arrived just moments after Carlos and his team reached Queen`s. Inside, they were seen laughing and sharing jokes. They appeared very comfortable and content in each other`s company.”
A second source confirmed the widespread speculation, stating, “It wasn’t just those involved in tennis who were talking about it. People from the BBC and other media outlets were also gossiping. The only romantic talk circulating was about Emma and Carlos.”
The British player in Eastbourne for her last event before Wimbledon.
Raducanu is scheduled to compete against American Ann Li in the first round at Devonshire Park later this afternoon.
If successful, she is set to face Australia`s Maya Joint in the second round, with a potential quarter-final encounter against Lulu Sun – who defeated her at Wimbledon last year – looming further in the draw.
Raducanu working with coach Mark Petchey at Devonshire Park.
