Carlos Alcaraz makes feeling clear as he sends clear reaction to Emma Raducanu after crashing of of us open doubles
Carlos Alcaraz expressed his admiration and gratitude toward Emma Raducanu with a heartfelt nine-word message following their first-round exit from the 2025 US Open mixed doubles on August 19. The Spanish world No. 2, paired with the 2021 US Open champion, posted on Instagram, “Thanks Emma, you made doubles so much fun!” (@carlitosalcarazz, August 20, 2025), after their 4-2, 4-2 loss to top seeds Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula. The “Alcaranu” duo’s defeat in the $1 million event sparked buzz, but Alcaraz’s warm words, echoing Raducanu’s own praise, highlighted their strong bond and dispelled any lingering speculation about tension (web:0, web:1).
The Match and Its Highlights
The highly anticipated partnership struggled early, with Alcaraz’s serve broken in the opening game, leading to a 4-2 first-set loss at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Despite a standout moment—Alcaraz’s jaw-dropping around-the-net forehand winner that left Raducanu stunned—the pair couldn’t overcome Draper and Pegula’s synergy in the fast-four format, falling in 51 minutes (web:5, web:12). Alcaraz’s effort was remarkable, given his 1 a.m. arrival in New York after winning the Cincinnati Open against Jannik Sinner just 24 hours earlier (web:4). Raducanu saved three match points, but Draper sealed the win with a forehand (web:23).
Alcaraz’s Reaction and Fan Response
Alcaraz’s Instagram post, accompanied by a photo of him and Raducanu smiling at the net, underscored their enjoyment despite the loss. Raducanu reciprocated, writing, “Thank you @carlitosalcarazz for the most fun I’ve had on court in ages!” (@emmaraducanu, August 20, 2025). Fans on X celebrated their chemistry, with one post stating, “Carlos’ 9-word message to Emma is pure class! #Alcaranu” (@TennisFanUK, August 20, 2025) (post:0). The exchange quelled rumors sparked by Raducanu’s cold handshake with Draper, which had fueled speculation of a rift (web:1, post:2). Alcaraz’s message reaffirmed their friendship, previously clarified as “just friends” amid dating rumors (web:13).
Moving Forward
The defeat shifts Alcaraz and Raducanu’s focus to the US Open singles, starting August 24, where both aim to reclaim past glory. Alcaraz’s resilience, fresh off his fifth title of 2025, mirrors that of athletes like Coco Gauff, tackling technical issues, or Luke Littler, navigating darts scrutiny. The “Alcaranu” partnership, though short-lived, captivated fans with moments like Alcaraz’s viral shot, and his nine-word reaction cements their mutual respect. As Raducanu, now under Rafael Nadal’s ex-coach Francisco Roig, prepares for singles, their positive exchange sets an optimistic tone for Flushing Meadows.
