British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu has once again grabbed headlines—this time not for her powerful forehand or dating rumors involving her 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship partner Carlos Alcaraz, but for her candid revelation about the nature of friendships on the WTA Tour. As dating rumors continue to swirl, Raducanu addressed the complexities of bonding with rivals on the circuit, offering a rare glimpse into the mental toll of professional tennis.
Emma Raducanu: “It’s very difficult to really open up”
Speaking at a press conference during the 2025 Washington Open, Raducanu shed light on the emotional barriers that often form between competitors. Despite being one of the sport’s most beloved figures and having experienced a meteoric rise since her 2021 US Open victory, she admitted that building deep friendships on tour doesn’t come easily.
“I think when we’re on the tour, it’s very difficult to really open up with other players that you’re competing against,” Emma Raducanu said.
“I think for me, I have a few friends on the tour, but it does add another dimension when you play them.”
Her statement underscores a sentiment felt by many top-level athletes—how emotional proximity can complicate the cutthroat world of elite competition.
Grounded support comes from home
While Raducanu may not maintain a wide circle of close confidants on the tour, she emphasized that her emotional core remains intact thanks to friends back home.
“I have really good friends at home that I can trust and speak to,” Raducanu continued. “Other than that... for me, I just find it harder to compete against a person I’m friends with.”
This grounded approach may be one of the secrets behind her renewed form in 2025. Currently ranked No. 46 in the world, Emma Raducanu’s recent progress suggests she’s ready to contend for another major title.
Mixed doubles with Carlos Alcaraz fuel speculation
Although Raducanu has publicly downplayed any tension or rivalry with other WTA stars, her on-court chemistry with high-profile names continues to draw attention. She recently partnered with former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in Washington, and the duo made a strong start in the doubles circuit.
Even more intriguing is her upcoming mixed doubles partnership with Carlos Alcaraz at the 2025 US Open—a pairing that has only amplified the online chatter around their relationship. Whether it’s just a smart tennis collaboration or something more, the buzz isn’t fading anytime soon.
British bonds still intact
Emma Raducanu may be selective in forming friendships on tour, but her bond with fellow Brit Katie Boulter remains strong. The duo, affectionately nicknamed “Boultercanu,” impressed earlier this season with their doubles performance at Queen’s Club, only falling short in the quarterfinals.