### Nadal Keeps Quiet on Raducanu and Alcaraz Relationship Speculation
Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz, rising stars on the international tennis circuit, have swiftly become the subject of considerable speculation following the announcement that they would join forces in the mixed doubles at the upcoming US Open. While the pair maintain that their connection is purely professional, their frequent appearances together have led to a flurry of rumours both on and off the court.
The British tennis sensation, Raducanu, has been seen in the crowd supporting Alcaraz at both Wimbledon and the Queen’s Club, prompting many to wonder whether their partnership might extend beyond tennis. Despite Raducanu’s repeated assurances that the relationship is strictly platonic, many enthusiasts continue to speculate. The buzz around their alliance recently reached Rafael Nadal, an icon of Spanish tennis and a personal inspiration for Alcaraz.
Nadal, who retired from professional tennis last year after amassing an astonishing 22 Grand Slam titles, chose not to attend Wimbledon this season. However, during a recent interview with The Times, the retired champion was pressed to comment on the rumours swirling around Raducanu and his countryman, Alcaraz. With characteristic restraint, Nadal distanced himself from the gossip: “Sorry, but I don’t get involved in those topics,” he replied, offering neither confirmation nor denial.
Despite keeping clear of personal conjecture, Nadal was quick to praise Raducanu’s career trajectory. The young Briton’s victory at the US Open four years ago, when she entered as a wildcard ranked 150th in the world, created worldwide headlines. She fired through the draw without dropping a set, ultimately becoming a Grand Slam champion in only her fourth senior tournament—an achievement that brought a tidal wave of attention and pressure.
Since that remarkable breakthrough, Raducanu has experienced a tumultuous spell on the tour. While she has not yet secured another title, her ranking had dipped considerably, especially after a 2023 season that was cut short by three bouts of surgery. She has, however, rebounded to reclaim a place within the world’s top 50, currently standing at number 45. Nadal reflected on her journey, noting, “She won at a very early stage in her career and with that comes a lot of expectation. Coming to terms with that level of pressure is not easy.”
Raducanu’s recent Wimbledon campaign was another testament to her growing maturity on the court. She faced world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping third-round contest, and despite being a break up in both sets, she eventually lost 7-6, 6-4. The tightness of the match reinforced her ability to challenge the very best in the world—a positive sign for her supporters.
Whispers about Raducanu and Alcaraz’s closeness only intensified after she was again seen courtside for some of his biggest matches. She watched from the stands as the Spaniard overcame Andrey Rublev at Wimbledon, and attended matches at Queen’s Club as well, including Alcaraz’s victory over Roberto Bautista Agut and Jannik Sinner’s semi-final win against Novak Djokovic. Raducanu has insisted her presence was purely down to her love of the sport and spending time with friends, saying, “We just thought, why not go to Queen’s and watch some good tennis?”
For now, Raducanu and Alcaraz will have to contend with the scrutiny that comes with their growing profiles, particularly as they prepare for their US Open partnership. Both will undoubtedly be eager to shift attention back to their sporting performances rather than off-court speculation.
Meanwhile, Nadal’s decision to refrain from engaging with the rumour mill stands as a reminder of the professionalism and composure that has defined his career. As he settles into retirement, his focus remains on the sporting achievements and potential of the next generation, rather than the headlines swirling around them.
With the US Open on the horizon, tennis fans are likely to keep a close watch on Raducanu and Alcaraz, both for their prospects on the court and their friendship away from it. As for any off-court romance, no confirmation has been provided by either party—nor, it seems, will any be forthcoming from Nadal.