Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, sharply criticized intrusive questions about her relationship with Carlos Alcaraz during a press conference following her third-round loss to Aryna Sabalenka at the Cincinnati Open on August 11, 2025. The 22-year-old British star, ranked No. 33, expressed frustration over persistent speculation about her personal life, particularly rumors linking her romantically to Alcaraz, with whom she is set to play mixed doubles at the 2025 US Open. Raducanu called the line of questioning “terrible,” highlighting the media’s focus on her private life over her tennis achievements.
The speculation intensified after Raducanu and Alcaraz, the world No. 2, announced their partnership for the US Open’s revamped mixed doubles event, which offers a $1 million prize. Their friendship, evident since practicing together at Wimbledon 2025 and sharing a sponsor in Evian, fueled rumors. At Wimbledon, Raducanu was directly asked about dating Alcaraz, to which she firmly responded, “We’re just good friends” (www.express.co.uk). The questions extended to fellow British player Cameron Norrie, who was bizarrely asked if he was dating Raducanu, despite his long-term relationship with Louise Jacobi. Raducanu told The Guardian, “Yeah, and Cam’s questions, too. That was terrible. Terrible. I guess it comes with the territory, people being so curious. They’re more curious about this news than any tennis results” ().[](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/2095965/Emma-Raducanu-Carlos-Alcaraz-Cameron-Norrie-relationship)
Raducanu’s irritation reflects her struggle with the intense scrutiny that has followed her since her historic US Open win as a qualifier. She noted, “I just keep myself to myself, my private life to one side. It’s always funny when people try to find something out, but I try not to read into it so much” (). The media frenzy has been exacerbated by unfounded rumors, including a viral social media post claiming Raducanu was pregnant with Alcaraz’s child, which she has not directly addressed but indirectly dismissed through her focus on tennis ().[](https://tennishead.net/emma-raducanu-now-responds-to-cameron-norrie-being-asked-if-he-was-dating-her-at-wimbledon/)[](https://sports.amazingtoday.net/shocking-news-emma-raducanu-caught-in-controversy-over-pregnancy-rumors-with-her-rumored-boyfriend-c-quyenntb/)
Her situation parallels other athletes’ battles with public pressure. Like Aryna Sabalenka, who faced a bizarre umpire request over a water bottle label, or Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin managing Davis Cup commitments, Raducanu is navigating fame’s challenges while preparing for the US Open. Despite her Cincinnati loss, she showed progress under new coach Francis Roig, pushing Sabalenka to a third-set tiebreak. However, her recent withdrawal from the US Open due to ongoing wrist and ankle injuries adds uncertainty to her mixed doubles participation with Alcaraz, who also faces potential sanctions after a Cincinnati umpire dispute. Raducanu’s outspoken response underscores her determination to focus on her career amidst intrusive distractions.
