Emma Raducanu addresses love life and 'terrible' Carlos Alcaraz question ahead of US Open
Emma Raducanu opts to block out the noise from relentless speculation about her love life. The British tennis sensation will play alongside Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open mixed doubles tournament.
The two former US Open winners have been friends for a long time, but many tennis fans believe they may be more than simple close acquaintances. Raducanu is currently experiencing what could be described as her finest season since her stunning rise from obscurity to winning the Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows in 2021.
Nevertheless, the questions about the two-time Wimbledon winner keep being served to her. She was seen watching one of Alcaraz's matches at Queen's during the summer, sparking unfounded rumours about an alleged hotel rendezvous between the pair.
Nevertheless, the 22-year-old firmly declared at the time she and the world No. 2 are "just friends." She has since tackled the suggestions in another interview with the Guardian.
The British No. 1 said: "I guess I'm like, it comes with the territory, people being so curious. I think they're more curious about this news than any tennis results and tennis news.
"But I just keep myself to myself, my private life to one side. It's always amusing when people try to dig something up, but I try not to pay too much attention to it."
At Wimbledon, British tennis ace Cam Norrie was bizarrely questioned about whether he was romantically involved with Raducanu during a press conference by an overseas journalist who was digging into the Alcaraz rumours. The bewildered player, who enjoys a long-standing relationship with partner Louise Jacobi, replied: "Sorry?!"
The reporter then sought clarification, asking: "I am trying to find out who is dating Emma Raducanu. It seems to be a question circulating among all the men's singles... I was wondering if you're dating her, please?"
Norrie, clearly uncomfortable, responded: "I'm not, no. You can ask her. I don't know." Raducanu, finding humour in the awkward situation, chuckled and said: "That was terrible, terrible."
She has previously opened up about her friendship with Alcaraz, which goes back many years, telling the Mail: "He's so nice, very happy, amazing values and just a really positive light to be around. I've known him for years.
"Wimbledon 2021 was the first time I started getting to know him. He was always playing the day before me, I would see him win and then I would have motivation to win and get myself into that position too.
"It was really cool to go through that tournament together and then I kept going through the US Open, we were staying in touch for the whole time and, yeah, it's nice.
"We have a good relationship still. He's obviously overtaken me a lot, but it's nice that we have that from a while ago."
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