Emma Raducanu expressed enthusiasm for her upcoming mixed doubles partnership with Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open, highlighting the strong bond they formed while rising through the ranks in their early careers. “It is nice, and I think we really value those connections from when we were young,” Raducanu remarked, emphasizing the importance of maintaining genuine relationships amid the pressures of professional success.
The duo, both 22 years old, first connected at Wimbledon in 2021 and cultivated their friendship during their impressive performances at the US Open that year, where Alcaraz notably secured a significant victory over Stef Tsitsipas. Raducanu noted, “It’s nice we have that from a while ago,” acknowledging Alcaraz’s current dominance in the sport compared to her own recent challenges, including struggles with back spasms which led her to withdraw from the Berlin Open.
Raducanu is eagerly preparing for her upcoming matches, including her first-round encounter with Ann Li at Eastbourne, which is her final opportunity for competitive play before Wimbledon. Despite ongoing issues with her back, Raducanu remains optimistic, stating, “I’m still managing it… I’m just trying to manage it as best as I can.”
Additionally, Raducanu addressed her relief over Wimbledon officials successfully preventing a stalker from purchasing tickets to this year’s tournament, highlighting that the support she received from them and the police was invaluable.
Meanwhile, in other tournament news, British No 5 Dan Evans also made headlines by overcoming a challenging start against Miomir Kecmanovic in the Eastbourne Open, showcasing the determination and resilience that characterizes many players on the circuit.
This positive sentiment surrounding the connections formed in the past and the current efforts to succeed despite obstacles provides a hopeful lens into the world of professional tennis as the players gear up for key competitions.