Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, set the tennis world abuzz with her straightforward dismissal of romance rumors linking her to Carlos Alcaraz, prompting a playful reaction from former WTA No. 7 Danielle Collins. During a pre-Wimbledon press conference on June 28, 2025, Raducanu addressed speculation about her relationship with the two-time Wimbledon champion, sparked by their announced mixed doubles partnership for the 2025 US Open. “We’re just good friends,” she declared with a smile, shutting down the rumors with what *EssentiallySports* described as a “brutal” response. The quip ended the presser on a light note, with the moderator joking, “I think we’ll wrap it up there,” and Raducanu laughing, “Way to wrap up!” Collins, reacting to the moment, commented on Instagram, “Brutal!! @emmaraducanu such a heartbreaker🤣,” poking fun at the Brit’s directness and the dashed hopes of fans rooting for a romance, as reported by *EssentiallySports* on June 29, 2025.[](https://www.essentiallysports.com/wta-atp-tennis-news-emma-raducanu-triggers-cheeky-danielle-collins-brutal-heartbreaker-response/)
The rumors gained traction due to several high-profile interactions in June 2025. Raducanu was spotted supporting Alcaraz at the Queen’s Club Championships, where he won his second title on June 22, arriving minutes apart and reportedly sharing a “spark,” per *The Sun*. Their joint endorsement with Evian, highlighted by a Wimbledon promotional photoshoot, further fueled speculation, as noted by *EssentiallySports*. Alcaraz, who initiated the US Open doubles pairing, praised their “really good relationship” since meeting at Wimbledon 2021, where both had breakout runs, per *The Guardian*. Raducanu echoed this, recalling, “He beat Stef [Tsitsipas]… it was really cool to go through that tournament together.” Despite their chemistry, Raducanu’s firm denial clarified their bond as platonic, rooted in shared career milestones.
Collins’ cheeky comment resonated widely, with fans on X amplifying the moment. @MK_Tomar posted on June 29, 2025, “Emma Raducanu Triggers Cheeky Danielle Collins’ ‘Brutal Heartbreaker’ Response,” linking to the *EssentiallySports* article, while @MSports_all wrote, “Emma Raducanu: Heartbreaker or Just Good Friends? Danielle Collins’ Amusing Reaction Unveiled.” @htTweets noted, “Danielle Collins’ response steals the spotlight,” reflecting the buzz around her playful jab. Raducanu embraced the humor, telling the BBC, “I’m glad the internet is having fun and we’re providing some entertainment for everyone,” showing her ease with the attention.[](https://x.com/htTweets/status/1939208794078318908)
Raducanu’s personal life has been closely guarded, influenced by her parents’ strict no-dating policy during her formative years to prioritize tennis, as she revealed to *The Sunday Times* in June 2024. “My parents were very much against [boyfriends] as it interfered with training,” she said, noting her focus on career over romance. As she prepares for Wimbledon, facing wildcard Mingge Xu on June 30, 2025, and Alcaraz takes on Fabio Fognini, their friendship remains a fan favorite, with Collins’ “heartbreaker” quip adding a lighthearted twist to the narrative.[](https://www.essentiallysports.com/wta-atp-tennis-news-emma-raducanu-triggers-cheeky-danielle-collins-brutal-heartbreaker-response/)
