Things didn’t quite go as smoothly as expected for British star Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open’s new mixed-format competition.
After their highly anticipated partnership came to a swift end, Raducanu faced a slightly uncomfortable exchange at the net with fellow Brit Jack Draper, who was rumored to be more than just a competitor.
A Short-Lived Dream Partnership
The buzz leading into the tournament was all about Raducanu teaming up with Alcaraz.
The event itself had been redesigned with a quick-fire “fast-four” format and a tempting $1 million prize pot, which only added to the excitement.
Fans also couldn’t help but speculate on the pair’s chemistry after Raducanu openly spoke about her “great connection” with the Spanish star.
But once play began, things wrapped up quicker than expected.
Draper and his partner, former doubles world No. 1 Jessica Pegula, proved too strong, winning comfortably in straight sets.
A Cold Handshake Instead of a Hug
The real talking point came after the final point.
Draper moved toward Raducanu, seemingly ready for a hug, but she extended her hand instead, opting for a brief handshake.
Moments later, she warmly embraced Pegula, while Alcaraz exchanged a more relaxed hug with Draper.
It was an awkward finish that only fueled the ongoing chatter about Raducanu’s relationships off the court.
The Love Triangle Rumors
This isn’t the first time speculation has swirled around Raducanu.
Earlier in the summer, Nick Kyrgios playfully suggested that Draper and Alcaraz might be “fighting over Raducanu,” joking about a potential love triangle.
The tennis world, as Kyrgios pointed out, loves to spin a good romance story.
Draper’s Missed Chance
Interestingly, Draper himself had previously admitted that he’d hoped to team up with Raducanu.
When the partnership went to Alcaraz instead, Draper laughed it off, saying she made the right choice.
“She picked the best player in the world right now,” he said, acknowledging Alcaraz’s brilliance and their undeniable strength as a pair.
Raducanu’s Praise for Alcaraz
For her part, Raducanu has long spoken highly of Alcaraz, describing him as someone with “amazing values” and a positive energy.
Their friendship goes back to Wimbledon 2021, and she’s often said that seeing his success motivated her to push herself further in tournaments.
Alcaraz, in return, praised her talents and even joked about letting her “be the boss” when they played together.
Their light-hearted exchanges during matches reflected that chemistry, even if their run in the tournament didn’t last long.
A Close Call with Scheduling
Their appearance in New York almost didn’t happen.
Alcaraz had been competing in the Cincinnati Open final less than 24 hours earlier, and fatigue could easily have forced him to withdraw.
Fortunately, after Jannik Sinner retired early due to illness, Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek managed to make a late-night dash to New York, ensuring the new duo got their shot on court.
A Fun but Fleeting Experience
Despite the quick loss, Alcaraz made it clear he was thrilled to share the court with Raducanu.
He described the format as fun and said he wanted to help her enjoy the experience, even if their opponents were tough.
Watching them laugh and exchange playful tactics during the match showed that the experience delivered exactly what they hoped—fun, if not victory.
Business as Usual for Draper and Pegula
Meanwhile, Draper and Pegula barely broke stride.
They advanced confidently, following up their win with another strong performance against Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev.
Their focus was clear, and unlike Raducanu and Alcaraz’s short-lived partnership, they looked determined to go deep into the tournament.
What Comes Next?
For Raducanu and Alcaraz, the experiment may have ended sooner than expected, but it gave fans plenty to talk about—both on and off the court.
Whether the buzz is about awkward handshakes, potential love stories, or simply two young stars having fun, one thing’s for sure: the spotlight isn’t moving away from them anytime soon.
