Emma Raducanu breaks silence on why she refused to hug Jack Draper after viral after US Open match
Emma Raducanu has clarified the viral moment when she appeared to refuse a hug from fellow Brit Jack Draper after their 4-2, 4-2 first-round loss to Draper and Jessica Pegula in the 2025 US Open mixed doubles on August 19. The 2021 US Open champion, paired with Carlos Alcaraz, sparked widespread speculation with her brief, cold handshake with Draper, which contrasted sharply with her warm embraces for Alcaraz and Pegula. In a playful Instagram post on August 20, 2025, Raducanu addressed the incident, joking, “Carlos told me if I hug Jack then we’re through. He gets really jealous” (@emmaraducanu), dispelling rumors of any serious rift while highlighting her lighthearted chemistry with Alcaraz.
The Viral Moment Explained
The awkward net exchange, captured on video, exploded online after Draper leaned in for an anticipated hug, only for Raducanu, 22, to extend a quick handshake with minimal eye contact before warmly embracing Pegula and Alcaraz. Social media buzzed with theories, with posts like, “Jack Draper went for the hug, but Emma… awkward 😬 #USOpen2025” (@sports99x, August 20, 2025). Some fans speculated that Draper’s aggressive play, targeting Raducanu with powerful serves and shots, prompted her reaction, with one commenting, “He was targeting her the whole match. I’d be pissed too” (@SandrineK92). Others suggested personal history, fueled by Nick Kyrgios’s earlier “love triangle” quip involving Raducanu, Alcaraz, and Draper. Raducanu’s humorous response quashed these narratives, emphasizing her camaraderie with Alcaraz.
Match Context and Performance
The “Alcaranu” duo, a wildcard entry in the $1 million event, struggled in the fast-four format at Arthur Ashe Stadium. 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, prompting her to grin in disbelief. Despite Raducanu saving three match points, Draper sealed the 51-minute victory. Raducanu reflected, “It was fun, but we wanted to win” (@BBCSport, August 19, 2025). Alcaraz’s effort was notable, given his 1 a.m. arrival in New York after winning the Cincinnati Open. Her Instagram post praised his “insane” shot, reinforcing their positive dynamic.
Broader Implications
Raducanu’s witty response addressed the handshake drama while redirecting focus to her US Open singles campaign, starting August 24, where she faces a tough draw with a potential Aryna Sabalenka quarterfinal. The incident, amplified by the event’s high-profile nature, mirrors scrutiny faced by athletes like Coco Gauff, navigating serve issues, or Luke Littler, handling darts fame. Fans on X lauded her humor, with one writing, “Emma’s clapback is iconic! Ready for singles” (@TennisFanUK, August 20, 2025). Under new coach Francisco Roig, Raducanu aims to reclaim her 2021 glory, and her lighthearted clarification ensures the Draper saga won’t overshadow her Flushing Meadows journey.
