‘Keeping it profesh… with a puppy face': What's happening between Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu?

Time of India

3 hours ago

Tennis is often portrayed as all grit, grind, and glory.
But as it turns out, it isn't just about healthy rivalry, fierce competition, aces, break points, or the roar of Centre Court.
Enter Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, two Grand Slam champions – a pair who, with goofy grins and playful banter, have taken the tennis world by surprise.
The rise of '
AlcarCanu
'
Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu's on-court professionalism and off-court charm have sparked the ultimate feel-good storyline. They've teamed up for the newly revamped mixed doubles event at the US Open's Fan Week (August 19–20), a high‑profile 16‑team draw with a $1 million prize.
Their partnership isn't just a sporting alliance; it's become a fresh reminder that professionalism, at its best, never loses a sense of fun.
'She's going to be the boss!'
But now, they're both in charge!
Only last week, Carlos, fresh off his epic French Open victory and currently world No. 2, dropped a line that lit up social media: 'She's gonna be the boss!'
Yes, he was talking about Emma Raducanu— whom he personally invited to be his mixed doubles partner at the US Open.
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Undo
Alcaraz emphasized, the decision was 'really fun' and rooted in 'a really good relationship with her.'
The one-liner that blew up social media could have easily come off as boastful, but it's clear from his tone that this is all in good spirit.
On the other hand, Raducanu didn't blush—she laughed, she teased, and she played along.
Emma, not one to be fazed by the banter, replied to his bossy proclamation with a cheeky 'I'd let you pick…' When quizzed on who would make the calls on court, she quipped she'd 'take his lead.'
The result? Uncontrollable laughter, cameras rolling, and fans everywhere falling in love with their chemistry.
From friendship to flirtation: tastefully done
Carlos and Emma's camaraderie didn't begin on the hard courts of New York.
At London's Queen's Club, they were grilled by a tennis impersonator doing impressions of legends like Murray, McEnroe, and Nadal—Emma had to dodge a 'kiss/marry/kill' question about Federer/Djokovic/Nadal, and Carlos dissolved into giggles when hearing a cheeky Spanish accent mimicking Rafa.
Their mutual support goes deeper than laughs. Emma turned up courtside during Carlos's final, and Carlos responded with a shy grin and said, 'I don't know… a lot of people came to see the final! You have to ask her!'
In return, Carlos said he might attend one of EM's upcoming matches if schedules permit—an open door for cheers and high-fives.
'Keeping it profesh… with a puppy face!'
Here's the sweet spot: on court, they are fierce competitors—Emma's unleashed fiery groundstrokes, Carlos's dive-for-and-win-it.
Off court, they switch into a playful mode that reminds us that even the greatest athletes can have puppy-dog moments.
Think of them as business calls with a side of puppy-faces—and I mean puppy-faces literally.
The latest exhibit of the phenomenon: Emma was spotted in the stands at Queen's Club on Saturday afternoon, enjoying Carlos' semifinal win over fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.
When Alcaraz was asked about how he felt having the British tennis star in the stands, he said that he couldn't speak with her and that Raducanu's visit was not something they had planned beforehand.
In his post-match press conference, Carlos said, 'I saw on social media she came up to watch my match,' the Spaniard said. 'I [am] just glad. I mean, I was focused on the match. I didn't see her (smiling). Just glad that she came to support, to watch my match. Yeah, I think it was great having her in the stands!'
Cue to Sparks Fly; Taylor's Version!
Star power, coupled with an ingenious PR game
Let's face it: this mixed doubles pairing generated headlines not just for their trophies, but because the US Open organizers cleverly curated monster mixed-doubles fields to give fans the thrill of seeing singles powerhouses team up (or fall apart)—including Djokovic/ Danilovic, Osaka/Kyrgios, and Sinner/Navarro.
But none captured hearts quite like Alcaraz and Raducanu.
Their pairing isn't just social media fodder—it's a smart move by both players and the tournament. He's the reigning Roland Garros champ, she's the breakout 2021 US Open victor—together, they evoke nostalgia, excitement, and star-crossed energy. And they know it.
But this is more than marketing; it's mutual admiration. Emma has praised Carlos for being 'genuine and kind off court'—in her eyes, greatness isn't just measured in trophies.
Meanwhile, Carlos seems to soften around her—a grin, a blush, amidst all that grit!
Jack Draper, another British player who missed out, was surprisingly supportive: 'She chose the best partner in Alcaraz… I don't blame her at all;' a statement which only added more to the already ongoing rumors of a potential romance off the court!
What's next?
Grit, Grand Slam glory, or just giggles and goofiness?
As of now, all signs point to a standout mixed doubles run in New York, August 19–20. With the new format and explosive prize money, they'll be under the spotlight for both play and personality.
At Flushing Meadows, expect gasps not just for clutch volleys, but for their shared chuckles, fist bumps, professional finesse, playful banters, synchronized celebrations, and *a lot of* charming content on the internet to swoon on!
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