The tennis world is buzzing once again with speculation about a potential power couple: Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz. Fresh off their collaborative appearance at a high-profile exhibition event in New Jersey earlier this month, fans and tabloids alike are dissecting every glance, post, and shared moment between the 22-year-old British sensation and the 21-year-old Spanish phenom. Their on-court chemistry during the 2025 US Open mixed doubles run may have been platonic, but their off-court synergy has reignited whispers of something more—despite both stars repeatedly insisting they’re “just friends.” As Alcaraz celebrates his latest Grand Slam triumph and Raducanu eyes a strong Asian swing, is this the spark that finally ignites a romance?
The US Open Catalyst: From Doubles Partners to Dating Speculation
It all traces back to Flushing Meadows, where Alcaraz and Raducanu teamed up for mixed doubles at the 2025 US Open. The pairing wasn’t random—Alcaraz personally reached out to Raducanu in June, calling it a “special request” because he couldn’t imagine playing with anyone else. Their debut match on August 19 ended in a 6-4, 7-5 loss to Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula, but the defeat did little to dampen the excitement. Alcaraz’s Instagram post afterward—a candid shot of the duo laughing courtside, captioned “That was fun @emmaraducanu!”—garnered over 2 million likes and flooded comments with heart-eyes emojis and “ship it!” pleas.
The rumors weren’t new; they’d simmered since Wimbledon 2021, when both broke out as teens—Raducanu with her historic US Open win later that year, and Alcaraz with his first major deep run. Raducanu later recalled to the BBC how they bonded amid the hype: “We both started getting to know each other… Ever since we’ve stayed in touch.” Fast-forward to 2025: Raducanu cheering from the stands during Alcaraz’s Wimbledon semifinal, joint practice sessions ahead of the grass Slam, and that electric mixed doubles announcement. Fans spotted “clues” everywhere—from matching water bottles to playful banter in pressers.
Yet, both have shut down the chatter. In a June press conference, Raducanu laughed it off: “We’re just good friends… I’m glad the internet is having fun.” Alcaraz echoed the sentiment in July, telling The Times he’s “single” and seeking a real connection amid his globe-trotting life. Their friendship, they emphasize, is a rare constant in tennis’s high-pressure bubble.
The New Jersey Link-Up: Fueling the Fire Post-US Open
The theory got fresh legs on September 4, when Alcaraz and Raducanu announced a joint appearance at the “Battle of the Brits” exhibition in Newark, New Jersey—a star-studded event benefiting local youth programs. Photos from the event show them trading volleys in a light-hearted mixed showcase, with Raducanu’s signature slice backhand drawing cheers and Alcaraz’s drop shots eliciting grins. One viral clip captured them high-fiving after a point, Raducanu playfully shoving Alcaraz’s shoulder as they bantered off-mic.
Social media exploded. On X, posts like “Emma and Carlos in NJ? This is NOT just friends energy 👀 #TennisCouple” racked up thousands of likes, while fan edits set their rallies to rom-com soundtracks. The timing didn’t help: It came days after Alcaraz’s US Open final win over Jannik Sinner (6-4, 7-6, 6-3), where he dedicated his trophy to “the people who make me smile”—prompting eagle-eyed fans to tag Raducanu. Raducanu, who exited in the third round to Ons Jabeur, was spotted “cosying up” to a longtime friend (fellow Brit prodigy Jodie Burrage) in New York pre-event, but the Alcaraz proximity stole the narrative.
Adding intrigue: Whispers of a “love triangle” involving model Brooks Nader, who was reportedly seen with Alcaraz during the Open and later confirmed dating him by her sister Grace Ann. Nader’s bold response to dual-dating rumors with Alcaraz and Sinner—”Guys do it all the time, so why can’t I?”—has only amplified the drama, but Alcaraz’s camp insists nothing’s official. Still, Raducanu’s post-event Instagram story—a sunset pic from Jersey with the caption “Good vibes only ❤️”—had shippers declaring victory.
Debunked or Destiny? The Players Weigh In
Raducanu, fresh off a quarterfinal run at the Guadalajara Open earlier this month, has leaned into the levity. In a Metro UK interview, she quipped, “It’s flattering, but we’re mates first. Tennis is tough enough without adding rom-com plotlines!” Alcaraz, now World No. 1 after his US Open heroics, addressed the buzz post-New Jersey: “Emma’s incredible—on and off the court. But yeah, friends. The fans make it fun.” Their mutual support shines through: Alcaraz praised Raducanu’s game pre-Wimbledon (“She’s gonna be on top very soon”), while she called him “a big brother figure” in the tour’s chaos.
Danielle Collins, ever the straight-talker, stole the show at Wimbledon when asked about the duo: “If they’re not dating, they should be—chemistry like that? Gold.” Even as Alcaraz navigates Nader headlines (which his team downplays as “casual”), the Raducanu link persists, fueled by their shared youth, ambition, and that undeniable ease.
What’s Next: Courts or Confessions?
With the Laver Cup looming (Raducanu for Team World, Alcaraz sidelined by injury), any Berlin sightings could stoke the flames further. Raducanu heads to Beijing next week, defending points from her 2024 run, while Alcaraz preps for Davis Cup glory. If history’s any guide—their 2021 Wimbledon chats evolving into 2025’s doubles dream—this “theory” might just be the slow-burn story tennis needs.
For now, it’s harmless fun in a sport starved for feel-good narratives. As one X user put it: “Emma + Carlos = endgame. Debate me.” Until they confirm otherwise, the speculation serves aces. Who knows? In tennis, love means zero—until it doesn’t.
