Emma Raducanu doesn’t hug Jack Draper after losing US Open mixed doubles with Alcaraz, cold handshake sparks rumours
Emma Raducanu’s icy post-match handshake with fellow Brit Jack Draper at the 2025 US Open mixed doubles has sparked widespread speculation, overshadowing her and Carlos Alcaraz’s 4-2, 4-2 first-round defeat to Draper and Jessica Pegula on August 19. The “Alcaranu” partnership, a wildcard entry in the $1 million event during Fan Week, ended in 51 minutes, but Raducanu’s brief, cold handshake with Draper—contrasting her warm hugs with Alcaraz and Pegula—ignited rumors of tension between the British stars (tennis.com, www.express.co.uk).
The Tense Moment
At the net, Draper leaned in for an expected hug, but Raducanu, 22, offered a quick handshake with minimal eye contact before warmly embracing Pegula and Alcaraz. The moment, captured on video, went viral, with fans on X noting, “Jack Draper went for the hug, but Emma… awkward 😬 #USOpen2025” (@sports99x, August 20, 2025). Some speculated that Draper’s aggressive tactics, targeting Raducanu with powerful serves and shots, fueled her reaction, with one fan stating, “He was targeting her the whole match. I’d be pissed too” (www.express.co.uk).
Match Dynamics
Raducanu and Alcaraz, both former US Open singles champions, struggled against the top-seeded duo. Alcaraz’s serve was broken early, leading to a 4-2 first-set loss. A highlight came when Alcaraz stunned Raducanu with an around-the-net forehand winner, but the pair couldn’t find rhythm in the fast-four format. Raducanu saved three match points before Draper’s forehand sealed the win (www.sportskeeda.com, www.tennisworldusa.org). Alcaraz’s effort was remarkable, given his 1 a.m. arrival in New York after winning the Cincinnati Open (tennis.com). Raducanu reflected, “It was fun, but we wanted to win” (@BBCSport, August 19, 2025).
Rumors and Context
The handshake fueled wild theories, with some fans reviving Nick Kyrgios’s earlier “love triangle” jest involving Raducanu, Alcaraz, and Draper, suggesting past romantic ties (@NewsSportGlobe, August 20, 2025). However, Raducanu’s prior praise for Draper as a “promising junior” and their long-standing friendship from junior days contradict such claims (www.dailymail.co.uk). Others argued her reaction stemmed from competitive frustration, not personal issues (www.express.co.uk). The scrutiny mirrors challenges faced by athletes like Coco Gauff, addressing serve issues, or Luke Littler navigating darts criticism.
Looking Ahead
With the loss behind them, Raducanu and Alcaraz shift focus to the US Open singles, starting August 24, while Draper and Pegula advance to face Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud (www.tennis.com). The handshake drama, amplified by the event’s high-profile nature, underscores Raducanu’s resilience amid public speculation, much like her dismissal of Alcaraz dating rumors. As she prepares for singles, the incident will likely fade, but it has added a layer of intrigue to her 2025 US Open campaign.
