Emma Raducanu’s Upcoming Mixed Doubles Partnership
Emma Raducanu expressed that her forthcoming collaboration in mixed doubles with Carlos Alcaraz signifies the strong, friendly bond the two developed early in their careers.
Value of Genuine Connections
Raducanu said, “It’s nice, as we all cherish the relationships formed in our youth. When you gain fame and success, you often reconnect with people from your past, and those relationships feel more authentic, especially amidst the busyness and the multitude of new friends.”
Competing Together at the US Open
The 22-year-olds will team up for the US Open mixed doubles this August. This year’s event has undergone controversial changes aimed at highlighting top players, adopting a condensed two-day format the week before the US Open. Raducanu noted that their friendship began blossoming at Wimbledon in 2021 during their respective breakthroughs at the US Open that year.
Memories from Their Breakout Moments
She recalled, “I remember him defeating Stef [Tsitsipas] in the third round; it was a significant win for him, marking his ascent on a larger stage. It was great experiencing that tournament together. Even though he has surpassed me now, our connection remains strong.”
Current Challenges and Focus on Health
Raducanu attended Alcaraz’s semi-final match at Queen’s Club shortly after their partnership was announced. She appreciated his performance and is aiming to be in peak condition for her tournaments, though she has been facing challenges due to persistent back spasms that forced her to withdraw from the Berlin Open last week.
Preparation Ahead of Wimbledon
As she prepares for Eastbourne, her final tournament before Wimbledon, Raducanu, the No 7 seed, stated, “I’m employing various treatments to stay in shape and manage the ups and downs of my back issue.”
Concerns for Personal Safety
Raducanu also expressed gratitude towards Wimbledon for preventing a man who had been stalking her from obtaining tickets for the tournament. She highlighted that she is aware that her experience is not unique among female athletes and thanked the authorities for their support.
