Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion and British No. 1, has earned glowing tributes from fellow Wimbledon 2025 stars for her work ethic, professionalism, and vibrant personality, despite her third-round exit to Aryna Sabalenka (7-6(8-6), 6-4) on July 4. Players like Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, and Jack Draper, who have known her for years, shared insights into what makes the 22-year-old a standout figure, both on and off the court, per *Express.co.uk*.
Carlos Alcaraz: The two-time defending Wimbledon champion and Raducanu’s upcoming US Open mixed doubles partner highlighted her grounded nature and inspiring influence. “From the time we started, Emma just really had her nose to the ground. She was very hard-working and I did not see her skip a lot of things. There was no aura of diva or superstar about her,” Alcaraz said, adding that her focus pushes him to elevate his own game, per *Express.co.uk*. Their long-standing friendship, sparked at Wimbledon 2021, has fueled speculation of a closer bond, though Raducanu clarified it’s platonic, saying, “We have a good relationship… a real genuine connection,” per *Yahoo Sports*.
Aryna Sabalenka: After defeating Raducanu, the world No. 1 praised her resilience and potential, stating, “Emma played such incredible tennis and pushed me really hard… I’m pretty sure she will be back in the top 10 soon,” per *BBC Sport* and *Sky News*. Sabalenka’s classy response on X, replying to Raducanu’s congratulatory post, added, “You played incredibly good… I’m sure we are going to play big matches in the future,” per *Express.co.uk*.
Jack Draper: The British men’s No. 1, a friend since their junior days, described Raducanu as “extremely bubbly, very kind, very thoughtful, always giggling, really smart,” and a “really good girl,” per *elle.com.au*. Before her Sabalenka match, Draper expressed confidence in her ability, saying, “She’s definitely got the capability to do us all proud,” per *Express.co.uk*. Despite her loss, he saw her as a contender against top players.[
Raducanu’s professionalism shines through her recovery from wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023 and a challenging 2022 season, climbing from No. 135 to No. 40 by Wimbledon 2025, per *BBC Sport*. Her “free and expressive” style, evident in her 6-3, 6-3 upset over 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova, reflects a renewed joy, credited to coach Mark Petchey, whom she rated “11 out of 10,” per *BBC Sport*. Despite criticism from some, like @RealTruth2Come on X labeling her “hubris” after the Sabalenka match, her peers admire her grit and potential, per.
