Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion who retired in 2024, has addressed the ongoing speculation about a romantic relationship between Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, opting for a neutral stance. Speaking to *The Times* on July 15, 2025, Nadal was asked about the buzz surrounding his fellow Spaniard Alcaraz and the British star Raducanu, who are set to team up for mixed doubles at the US Open. The rumours intensified after Raducanu was seen supporting Alcaraz at Wimbledon and Queen’s, and their joint Evian event practice sessions. However, Nadal sidestepped the gossip, stating, “Sorry, but I don’t get involved in those topics,” signaling his reluctance to fuel the narrative.
Despite avoiding the romance angle, Nadal expressed optimism about Raducanu’s future, praising her potential despite the pressures following her 2021 US Open win. “I think she won very early on; when she won the US Open she was very young. There were a lot of expectations and pressure on her—it takes time to come to terms with,” he said, reflecting his respect for her resilience after dropping outside the top 300 due to injuries and climbing back to No. 45. His comments suggest a focus on their tennis careers rather than personal lives, aligning with Raducanu’s and Alcaraz’s repeated assertions that they are “just good friends.”
Nadal’s refusal to engage with the rumours contrasts with the public’s fascination, especially as Alcaraz prepares for his Wimbledon final rematch with Jannik Sinner, while Raducanu recovers from her third-round exit. His stance leaves the dating speculation unresolved, letting the players’ on-court performances—rather than off-court stories—take center stage.
