Danielle Collins sends hilarious message to Emma Raducanu after she & Carlos Alcaraz crash out of US Open mixed doubles
American tennis star Danielle Collins sent a playful message to Emma Raducanu, humorously teasing Carlos Alcaraz after the duo’s 4-2, 4-2 first-round exit to Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula in the 2025 US Open mixed doubles on August 19. Commenting on Raducanu’s Instagram post, Collins wrote, “Way to carry the team Em!!🥳” (@danimalcollins, August 20, 2025), cheekily suggesting Raducanu outshone her partner. The lighthearted jab, which garnered thousands of likes, added a comedic twist to the “Alcaranu” partnership’s defeat in the $1 million event, while also fueling online buzz amid Raducanu’s viral handshake drama with Draper.
The Match and Collins’ Context
The “Alcaranu” duo, a wildcard entry at Arthur Ashe Stadium, struggled in the fast-four format, with Alcaraz’s serve 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 despite Raducanu saving three match points, Draper sealed the 51-minute victory. Collins, ranked No. 59, also competed in mixed doubles with Christian Harrison, reaching the semifinals before losing 4-2, 4-2 to eventual champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. Her comment came after Raducanu posted, “Thank you @carlitosalcarazz for the most fun I’ve had on court in ages!” (@emmaraducanu, August 20, 2025), prompting Collins’ witty response.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Collins’ humorous remark sparked a flurry of reactions on X, with fans enjoying the playful shade. One post read, “Danielle Collins throwing shade at Carlos with that comment 😂 Emma’s the real MVP” (@TennisVibes, August 20, 2025). The comment also contrasted with Raducanu’s cold handshake with Draper, which had fueled speculation of tension, though she clarified it jokingly, citing Alcaraz’s “jealousy”. Collins’ history of bold antics, like her sarcastic Australian Open crowd taunt in January 2025, added context to her cheeky jab, drawing parallels to provocateurs like Nick Kyrgios.
Broader Implications
Raducanu and Alcaraz, both former US Open singles champions, now shift focus to the singles draw starting August 24, with Raducanu facing a tough path including a potential Aryna Sabalenka quarterfinal. Collins’ comment, while playful, underscores the camaraderie and rivalries in tennis, mirroring dynamics seen with athletes like Coco Gauff, navigating serve issues, or Luke Littler, handling darts fame. As Raducanu, under new coach Francisco Roig, aims to reclaim her 2021 glory, Collins’ lighthearted taunt adds a fun footnote to their brief but memorable “Alcaranu” partnership.
