Emma Raducanu may be taking it easy on the court for now, but that didn’t stop her from showing up to support one of the most talked-about names in tennis – and her soon-to-be doubles partner.
The British star was spotted in the stands at Queen’s Club on Saturday afternoon, enjoying Carlos Alcaraz’s semifinal win over fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut. Sitting alongside Myah Petchey, the daughter of her coach Mark Petchey, Raducanu looked relaxed as she watched the 22-year-old cruise to a 6-4, 6-4 victory and book his place in the final.
Raducanu, 21, had recently withdrawn from the Berlin Open citing back pain, choosing to manage her recovery carefully ahead of Eastbourne and Wimbledon. But her appearance at Queen’s was more than just a casual drop-in – she and Alcaraz were announced earlier this week as a team for the US Open’s newly revamped, $1 million mixed doubles event.
Doubles Dream Team in the Making
The pairing – two former US Open singles champions – has already caught plenty of attention. “I couldn’t play with anyone better,” Alcaraz said of his new partner earlier this week. “I made a special request. Luckily, she agreed.” He jokingly added that Raducanu“took a while” to respond, before clarifying that it wasn’t that long.
The Spaniard also admitted she’d likely be calling the shots. “She’s going to be the boss,” he smiled, according to The Independent.
Both players have said they’re excited for the opportunity, with Alcaraz telling Eurosport the new format is “an amazing idea” and promising that their partnership will be “really, really fun.”
Back in Eastbourne, Raducanu is set to face American Ann Li in the first round. If she wins, a potential second-round match-up with Ons Jabeur could be a serious early test of form – and fitness.
But on Saturday, her only role was spectator. And for tennis fans, seeing two of the sport’s most popular young stars sharing the same frame was enough to stoke anticipation for what’s to come this summer in New York.
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