Emma Raducanu responds to Carlos Alcaraz dating rumors after being ‘the talk of’ tennis world

British tennis star Emma Raducanu was all smiles when asked about fans who are shipping a romance between her and top men’s player Carlos Alcaraz on social media.

Raducanu couldn’t help but laugh during a Monday interview with BBC Sport while explaining her amusement over the dating rumors that started after it was announced last week the pair were teaming up for the newly formatted mixed doubles event at the U.S. Open.

“But I’m glad the internet is having fun and we’re providing some entertainment for everyone,” Raducanu, 22, said, adding that she was slightly aware of the speculation that they’re “destined” for each other.

Raducanu explained that she and 22-year-old Alcaraz have a history.

“We go back a long way and I think that we both started getting to know each other a lot in 2021,” she said. “… We were like speaking and friends before anyone won anything.”

Raducanu and Alcaraz’s friendship apparently stirred buzz at the 2025 HSBC Championships, where the 22-year-old Spanish star edged Czech Jiri Lehecka 7-5, 6-7 (5), 6-2 on Sunday to claim his second Queen’s Club title.

Raducanu supported Alcaraz during his semifinal win over Roberto Bautista Agut at The Queen’s Club in London.

“Emma and Carlos’ friendship was the talk of Queens,” according to The Sun, adding that “broadcasters were all gossiping” about the pair.

“People think there is something going on between them because they have such a spark. He was apparently seen at her hotel last week and on Thursday and Saturday, when Emma went to support him, Emma’s car arrived just minutes after Carlos got to Queens with his team. Inside they were seen laughing and joking with one another. They seem very happy and relaxed with each other.”

Raducanu shot to fame with her stunning run to the U.S. Open title in 2021 after making the event as a qualifier.

She has dealt with a number of injuries and coaching changes since as her career has failed to take off.

However, she made a run to the fourth round last year at Wimbledon in front of her home fans and will be looking for repeat success when the grand slam begins next week.

Raducanu will face Ann Li of the U.S. in the women’s singles match at the Eastbourne International on Tuesday in a Wimbledon tuneup. 

Alcaraz is a five-time grand slam champion and is coming off a win at the French Open last month in an epic comeback against Jannik Sinner.