Controversial Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios sparked headlines with a cheeky message to Emma Raducanu, taunting Carlos Alcaraz after their 4-2, 4-2 first-round loss to Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula in the 2025 US Open mixed doubles on August 19. Kyrgios, known for his provocative antics, posted on X, “Congrats on a great effort @emmaraducanu! You carried Carlos out there 😉 Keep shining!” (@NickKyrgios, August 20, 2025), poking fun at Alcaraz’s performance while praising Raducanu. The comment, liked by over 10,000 users, reignited speculation about tensions, especially after Raducanu’s viral cold handshake with Draper (web:6, post:0).
The Context of the Taunt
Kyrgios’s message came after Raducanu and Alcaraz, dubbed “Alcaranu,” fell short in the $1 million event at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Alcaraz, arriving in New York at 1 a.m. post-Cincinnati Open win, struggled with an early service break, while Raducanu saved three match points before Draper sealed the 51-minute victory (web:5, web:12). Kyrgios, sidelined from singles due to a wrist injury but active in commentary, had previously jested about a “love triangle” involving Raducanu, Alcaraz, and Draper, fueling rumors after Raducanu’s brief handshake with Draper contrasted her warm hugs with Alcaraz and Pegula (web:6, web:15). His latest jab at Alcaraz stirred the pot further.
Raducanu and Alcaraz’s Response
Raducanu addressed the handshake drama with humor, posting, “Thank you @carlitosalcarazz for the most fun I’ve had on court in ages!” (@emmaraducanu, August 20, 2025), while Alcaraz reciprocated, “Thanks Emma, you made doubles so much fun!” (@carlitosalcarazz, August 20, 2025) (web:13). Their mutual praise, highlighting moments like Alcaraz’s around-the-net forehand winner, dispelled any rift rumors and underscored their friendship, forged in 2021 (web:1). Fans on X rallied behind them, with one writing, “Kyrgios stirring again, but Emma and Carlos are class! #Alcaranu” (@TennisFanUK, August 20, 2025) (post:1).
Kyrgios’s Controversial Persona
Kyrgios, ranked No. 158 due to limited play since 2023, has a history of polarizing comments, from criticizing Novak Djokovic to calling out umpires (web:6). His taunt aligns with his knack for provocation, drawing comparisons to darts star Luke Littler’s bold persona or Coco Gauff’s resilience amid scrutiny. As Raducanu, now coached by Rafael Nadal’s ex-mentor Francisco Roig, and Alcaraz prepare for the US Open singles starting August 24, Kyrgios’s quip adds spice to their campaigns, with Raducanu facing a tough draw including Aryna Sabalenka (web:0). The tennis world awaits whether Kyrgios’s words will motivate or distract the duo in New York.
