Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz were one of tennis’ most talked-about duos last year after they teamed up for the revamped US Open mixed doubles event. Their close friendship quickly sparked dating rumors, but both players consistently maintained that their relationship was nothing more than a genuine friendship built over years on tour.As Wimbledon 2026 gets underway, the story has taken a different turn. Both Raducanu and Alcaraz have been forced to miss the year’s biggest grass-court tournament because of injuries. Their withdrawals have brought renewed attention to last year’s headlines, including the speculation surrounding their friendship and Raducanu’s firm response to those rumors.
Throwback to when Emma Raducanu shut down dating rumors with Carlos Alcaraz
The friendship between Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz became a major talking point during the 2025 season. The pair announced that they would partner in the revamped US Open mixed doubles event, leading many fans to wonder if there was more than friendship between the two young Grand Slam champions.The speculation only grew after Raducanu was spotted watching Alcaraz during his grass-court campaign and frequently praised his game in interviews. She spoke warmly about their friendship, explaining that they had known each other since their breakthrough years as teenagers. According to Raducanu, those early relationships remain special because they were formed before either player became global stars.During one press conference last year, a reporter directly asked Raducanu whether there was any truth behind the growing romance rumors involving Alcaraz. The British star quickly smiled and dismissed the speculation. She explained that they shared a good friendship and nothing beyond that. As the questions continued, the press moderator stepped in to move on, and Raducanu laughed in agreement, bringing the conversation to an end.Her response effectively ended weeks of speculation. Although fans continued discussing the pair on social media, neither player suggested that their relationship was anything more than a close friendship built through years of competing on the same stages.Now, one year later, both players find themselves watching Wimbledon from the sidelines instead of competing on Centre Court.Raducanu announced her withdrawal on the eve of Wimbledon after medical scans confirmed that the discomfort she had been managing had developed into a stress fracture in her lower right leg. She explained that she had done everything possible to recover in time, but doctors ultimately advised her not to continue because it could make the injury worse.Alcaraz is also absent from this year’s Championships after suffering an injury that ruled him out before the tournament began. His withdrawal means Wimbledon will be missing one of its biggest stars, while Raducanu’s absence is another major disappointment for British fans who hoped to see their home favorite compete.Although last year’s romance rumors paved the way for countless headlines, Raducanu made her stance clear by describing Alcaraz as a close friend. With both stars now focused on rehabilitation, their priority is returning to full fitness rather than answering questions about their personal lives.
