Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper Spotted on London Courts As They Turn Up the Heat in Training Ahead of 2026 Partnership
London’s practice courts were buzzing this week after Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper were spotted training side-by-side, sparking fresh excitement over a potential Brit tennis alliance in 2026.
The two former US Open junior champions — Britain’s brightest tennis hopes — were seen at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, going through high-intensity hitting drills, serves, and mixed rally sets that gave fans more questions than answers.
Because one thing is certain: the chemistry looks real.
A partnership hinted, not confirmed — but clearly building
While there has been no official announcement about a formal mixed doubles pairing, insiders close to the LTA setup say the idea is “very much on the radar”.
Both players have flirted with the topic before, often brushing off questions with smiles rather than denials — a classic pro tennis teaser.
Their on-court session certainly looked like more than a casual hit. Observers noted:
- Quick-fire baseline exchanges
- Doubles-style communication and positioning drills
- Lighthearted mid-session debates after missed points
- Draper launching booming serves while Raducanu returned aggressively
- A relaxed but purposeful energy around both players
At one point, Raducanu jokingly applauded after Draper delivered an unreturnable serve down the T, prompting a laugh from both sides of the court.
Timing feels intentional
The timing of the practice isn’t random. Both players are rebuilding momentum following injury setbacks, and 2026 denotes a potential long-term planning window — with the Australian Open, Wimbledon mixed doubles ambitions, and Olympic qualification in Los Angeles 2028 already part of British tennis discussions.
Raducanu has increasingly prioritised fitness blocks and extended training cycles, while Draper is pushing toward top-10 consistency after his meteoric rise into the ATP’s upper ranks.
A future partnership could benefit both:
- Raducanu’s touch and return game balancing Draper’s serve power
- Shared national support lifting their profile
- A rare chance for Britain to boast a genuine mixed doubles threat
Fans react with peak optimism
Social media erupted minutes after photos surfaced from Roehampton:
- “British tennis: This is cinema.”
- “The power couple we didn’t know we needed.”
- “If they win Wimbledon, the roof is actually coming off.”
Some fans went further, already drafting imaginary mixed doubles brackets for 2026.
What they’ve said before
Neither player has confirmed a partnership, but both have openly praised each other:
Raducanu previously called Draper “one of the hardest workers I know”, while Draper described Emma as “elite in pressure moments” — comments that read very differently now.
For now, it’s focus, not fanfare
Despite the noise, their trajectories remain individual first, collaborative maybe later.
Their London session was likely a mix of:
- Building competitive sharpness
- Strengthening national-team chemistry
- Enjoying the rare chance to test each other in practice
- And yes… quietly exploring what could be
No slogans, no announcements, no promises.
Just two of Britain’s best, pushing each other, and possibly laying the groundwork for something bigger.
If 2026 delivers what these courts hinted at this week, British tennis could be about to witness its most exciting double act yet.
