**Carlos Alcaraz Opens Up on Dynamic with Emma Raducanu Ahead of US Open Doubles Debut**
Tennis fans have been abuzz with anticipation ever since Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu revealed they would join forces on court for the upcoming US Open, entering the mixed doubles draw as partners. With both athletes attracting international attention for their prodigious talent and magnetic personalities, speculation quickly extended beyond tennis tactics to their personal rapport, prompting both to address their newfound partnership at Wimbledon this week.
Alcaraz, the reigning French Open men’s singles champion, shed some light on how he and Raducanu expect to work together during their highly anticipated debut as a doubles team in New York. Speaking in a recent BBC interview during Wimbledon, the Spaniard, who is currently ranked world number two, playfully acknowledged that his British counterpart would be calling the shots. “She will be the boss,” Alcaraz remarked with a smile, hinting at the easy camaraderie the two share.
The spotlight has lingered on the pair, especially as they both advance confidently through the early rounds at SW19. Raducanu saw off Welsh challenger Mimi Xu in straight sets, while Alcaraz survived a tense five-set battle against Italy’s Fabio Fognini. Despite their singles successes, a significant share of attention has continued to centre on their doubles arrangement for Flushing Meadows—fuelled further, perhaps, by their strong public profiles and undeniable chemistry.
Whispers of a possible romantic connection between Raducanu and Alcaraz began circulating shortly after their US Open announcement. However, both were quick to quash such rumours. The pair, both aged 22 and sponsored by Evian, attended promotional events together at the All England Club, but Raducanu firmly stated, “We’re just good friends,” during a press conference, signing off with a knowing smile.
The back-and-forth between them paints a picture of a good-natured partnership. When Raducanu was asked what question she would pose to Alcaraz, she jokingly wondered just how much of the court the energetic Spaniard could actually cover. Alcaraz, picking up the playful banter, responded that he planned to “serve, step aside, and let her play”—emphasising once again that Raducanu would be leading their on-court strategy.
Their amicable relationship has captured public curiosity and delights the broader tennis community. Even American player Danielle Collins couldn’t resist chiming in online, teasing Raducanu with a humorous comment about her “heartbreaker” status in response to the pair’s denials of romance, drawing further attention to the dynamic between the two young stars.
Behind the light-hearted exchanges, both are clearly approaching their doubles partnership with mutual respect and excitement. Raducanu has spoken positively about training alongside Alcaraz, explaining that a recent joint session at Wimbledon—convened in part for a brand partnership—also served as volley practice for their forthcoming US Open campaign. “I’m really happy, obviously, to be playing with him. We had a good time yesterday,” she shared.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz revealed that it was he who first requested Raducanu as his doubles partner at the US Open, although he admitted he had to wait for her final confirmation. Raducanu, for her part, joked that she wanted to “keep them on their toes,” explaining the need to consult with her team before accepting what she readily described as an exciting opportunity.
As the pair continue their individual Wimbledon pursuits, the tennis world is keenly watching the development of this partnership—not just for its potential on the scoreboard, but for the flair, fun, and friendship they bring to the sport. Their US Open appearance promises a unique crossover, blending two of tennis’s brightest stars into a formidable and entertaining mixed doubles duo.
While both Raducanu and Alcaraz are grounded in their approaches, their willingness to embrace the public’s curiosity has added another layer of charm to their narrative. With their dynamic both on and off the court in the spotlight, expectations for their joint foray at Flushing Meadows are running high—whether or not Raducanu really does end up “the boss.”