When it comes to tennis partnerships, some pairings create magic on the court — and stir up a bit of intrigue off it.
That seems to be the case with Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz, who are set to play doubles together at the US Open this August.
But according to those close to the scene, their connection may be more than just professional.
A Shared Court and Some Serious Chemistry
Whispers about Emma and Carlos being more than just tennis buddies have been swirling since earlier this month.
Emma was spotted at the Queen’s Club Championships, supporting Carlos not once but twice — on Thursday and again on Saturday, just a day before he went on to win the whole tournament.
A source told The Sun that their presence together was “the talk of Queens,” with many wondering aloud: “Is something going on between them?”
Spotted Together at the Same Hotel
Fueling the rumors even more, insiders say Carlos was seen at Emma’s hotel, and her car reportedly pulled into Queen’s Club just minutes after he arrived with his team.
“They were seen laughing and joking together inside,” a source shared.
“They just looked really happy and relaxed around each other.”
Apparently, it wasn’t just tennis insiders whispering — even media and broadcast teams working the tournament were caught up in the speculation.
As one insider put it, “The only love being talked about at Queen’s was about Emma and Carlos.”
Emma Opens Up About Their Bond
Whether or not romance is on the table, Emma had only glowing things to say about Carlos in a recent interview.
Speaking to the Mail, she shared how their friendship started during her breakout moment at Wimbledon in 2021.
“He’s so nice, very happy, amazing values and just a really positive light to be around,” Emma said.
“Wimbledon 2021 was when I started getting to know him. He would play the day before me, and I’d see him win — it gave me motivation.”
She added that they stayed in touch all throughout her run at the US Open that year, and while Carlos has now surged ahead in the rankings, the bond remains.
A History of Close Friendships on and off the Tour
Carlos isn’t the only male tennis star Emma’s been linked to.
She also has a long-standing friendship with fellow British player Benjamin Heynold, who she’s known since they were just six years old.
The two grew up representing Team GB and reportedly kept in close contact even after Benjamin moved to study at the University of North Carolina.
Friends of the pair have hinted that their childhood connection may have turned romantic recently.
Emma’s Past Relationship and Strict Upbringing
Before any of the current rumors, Emma had been in a much-talked-about relationship with Carlo Agostinelli, the Harrow-educated son of billionaire Robert Agostinelli.
Their year-long romance was believed to be her most serious to date before they quietly split last year.
Interestingly, Emma has previously opened up about how she wasn’t even allowed to date as a teenager.
Growing up in Bromley, South East London, her parents Ion and Renee had strict rules about anything that could distract her from tennis.
“My parents were very much against [boyfriends] as it interfered with training,” she told The Times.
“When I was younger, I wasn’t even allowed to hang out with my girl friends.”
That strict upbringing left her feeling resentful at times, she admitted, but also helped her grow comfortable in her own company — something she now sees as a strength.
What’s Next for Emma and Carlos?
As for Emma and Carlos, their upcoming US Open doubles partnership is guaranteed to draw even more eyes — whether for their gameplay or the undeniable chemistry fans and insiders keep buzzing about.
So is it just a friendship, a budding romance, or the start of a new tennis power couple? Time will tell.
But one thing’s for sure — everyone will be watching.