**Jack Draper Opens Up About Relationship with Emma Raducanu Amid Roland Garros Campaign**
Jack Draper, Britain’s burgeoning tennis star, has shed light on his longstanding friendship with fellow British sensation Emma Raducanu, offering personal insight that challenges recent speculation about their relationship. As Draper contests the fourth round at the French Open against Alexander Bublik, his reflective comments on Raducanu illustrate the mutual support shared by the rising stars.
Draper, aged 23, has enjoyed a meteoric ascent in the past year. He has rocketed from 40th to world No. 5 in the ATP rankings, secured his maiden ATP Masters title at Indian Wells in March, and delivered a semi-final showing at last year’s US Open. While the early stages of this year’s French Open have already seen his best-ever performance at Roland Garros, Draper’s focus remains firmly on advancing further and soaking up his time in the limelight.
The current tournament has narrowed British hopes in singles to just Draper and Cameron Norrie, as several compatriots, including Raducanu, Katie Boulter, and Jacob Fearnley, saw earlier exits. Raducanu, 22, remains one of the sport’s most recognised faces since her historic US Open win in 2021, and her camaraderie with Draper has often led to rumoured romance—a notion both have consistently dismissed.
Speaking candidly before his French Open tie, Draper explained the foundation of his relationship with Raducanu. “She’s always been a genuinely kind and thoughtful friend. I’ve known her since we were young, and she’s always had this infectious positivity and quick wit,” he shared in a recent interview. Describing her as “amazing” and “a really, really good girl,” Draper was eager to emphasise that their connection stems from years of shared experience on the tennis circuit, not romantic involvement.
He further reflected on Raducanu’s grand slam triumph: “Watching Emma clinch the US Open was incredibly inspiring—it was truly a fairy tale moment. I felt immense pride and excitement seeing what she achieved for British tennis. Witnessing such a run only fuelled my own ambitions. Of course, the men’s and women’s games differ in certain ways, but seeing her success taught me a lot about resilience and seizing the moment.”
Raducanu, in turn, has voiced her admiration for Draper’s rapid progress. “Seeing Jack dominate like this is brilliant. He’s got such a commanding presence on the court and is proving what British tennis can achieve right now. It’s always great to see your friends do well,” she remarked, echoing the spirit of mutual encouragement between the two.
Despite frequent media speculation linking both to other high-profile names—Raducanu with the likes of Romeo Beckham or Carlos Alcaraz, and Draper reportedly seeing American influencer KT Lordahl during last year’s US Open—the pair remain firmly in the “just friends” camp. Both athletes have contended that the realities of life on the tour render traditional relationships challenging. Draper commented, “I’m always on the road, competing or training. Sustaining a relationship is really tough under those circumstances. Right now, I’m most focused on refining my game and aiming higher in tennis.”
Raducanu has also shared her thoughts about navigating personal life amidst the rigours of the professional circuit. “This year, I’ve embraced spending more time alone—taking solo walks, grabbing coffee by myself, and reflecting internally. Travelling can be lonely, so learning to enjoy your own company is important,” she said.
Both Draper and Raducanu highlight the sacrifices required at the sport’s top tier, but their mutual respect and long-standing friendship serve as a reminder of how vital support networks can be for young athletes. As British tennis awaits further triumphs, the camaraderie between these two stars continues to capture the public’s imagination, albeit on strictly platonic terms.