The tennis community buzzed when Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu joined forces at the US Open.
In their first match during the revamped Mixed Doubles event, Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula defeated Raducanu and Alcaraz with a score of 4-2, 4-2.
Even with the loss, both Raducanu and Alcaraz maintained a positive attitude, exchanging fist bumps, hugs, and laughter.
The duo, playfully dubbed “Radukaraz” by some fans, sparked speculation about a possible romance, making onlookers wonder if they were more than just friends.
“Are we witnessing the start of a love story?” one person commented on X.
“This could be the hottest new couple in tennis,” another chimed in.
One spectator also mentioned, “It was so much fun to watch.”
Rumors about the pair began circulating after they were spotted cheering for the Spaniard during Wimbledon in June.
Since then, both have been inundated with questions on their social media about a potential relationship.
Interestingly, global interest in this pairing has risen by 2.2% over the last three months.
Despite the speculation, both deny they are an item, insisting they are simply “good friends.”
“I think it’s just curiosity,” Raducanu mentioned to the Guardian before their doubles match. “People seem to be more interested in our personal lives than what happens on the court, but I try to focus on the game.”
Raducanu, currently the UK No. 1, has recently found her form again but narrowly missed out on being seeded in the upcoming US Open singles event in New York.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz is entering the tournament as the second seed.
