“I am glad the internet is having fun”: Emma Raducanu loving chaos surrounding partnership with Carlos Alcaraz

Emma Raducanu has opened up about her reaction to Carlos Alcaraz’s offer to play at the US Open mixed doubles. The fourth Grand Slam of the year will be played in two different parts for the first time.

Just before the start of the mega-event, a mixed doubles event will take place, featuring some of the world's top players. One of the most famous pairs will feature five-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz teaming up with Britain’s Raducanu.

Raducanu has recently spoken to BBC Sport, where she opened up about her reaction when Alcaraz asked her to play in the doubles event together. “Yes, he asked me,” she said. “He asked me earlier on in the year and I was very surprised, honoured and obviously excited. I just went through the formality of asking my coach, but obviously I was going to say yes.”

Raducanu was then asked about a section of supporters on social media who are hoping for her to get into a relationship with Alcaraz. There are also parody accounts which share funny stories about the duo. Raducanu stated that she was not aware of such accounts to the extent, and also shared how she and Alcaraz go back a long way.

“No, not quite to that extent but I am glad the internet is having fun and we are providing some entertainment for everyone,” she said. “Yes, we go a long way back and I think we both started getting to know each other a lot more in 2021 when I had that little run at Wimbledon. I think he won in five sets in the first round and then all through the US Open and he had a big break out win against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round, but I was always trying to join him in the next round because he was playing the day before me. Ever since we have stayed in touch and he has done so well obviously since and continued winning and it’s been amazing to see because I kind of, yea, we were speaking and friends before anyone won anything, you know."