There is a substantial focus on Rafael Nadal ahead of the Davis Cup 2024 knockouts. However, if Carlos Alcaraz thought he could stay away from the limelight hiding behind his Spain teammate’s retirement cacophony, then he has gotten a quick awakening. Alcaraz continues to be a hit on social media, and a picture of his with Emma Raducanu has broken the internet.
In the photo, Raducanu was seen playing catch with someone. The 2021 women’s singles US Open champion’s playing partner is not in the frame. What excited many was that Alcaraz was. He was pictured looking at Raducanu from behind, sporting his trademark wide smile.
Was it affection that was brimming in the smile? Well, that was just one of the many questions that swirled on social media.
Oh god, this picture from today will only make the Raducanu-Alcaraz fictional stories blow up even more pic.twitter.com/FBYyNGdX76
— Olly (@Olly_Tennis_) November 17, 2024
It is easy to imagine the moment as candid and ‘picture perfect’. But there were many who questioned whether the picture is real or edited, possibly through AI. The tennis influencer who originally posted it on X also called the rumors surrounding Alcaraz and Raducanu ‘fictional’.
You think so? The picture doesn’t even look real. If it is, it doesn’t show much.
I don’t think that she has even a modicum of attraction for Carlos. Carlos obviously likes her.
Nice young adults but the lock and the key don’t fit here.
Any romance rumors seem to be as…
— Trudy Seivwright MD (@SeivwrightTrudy) November 17, 2024
but this photo is real right?
— WTJHD (@WTJHD1) November 17, 2024
Just a meme, nothing more at this point.
— Shhhh (@Jxxxxx024) November 17, 2024
The only reason it might blow up is you posting it and insinuating it will blow up
— OD (@od_lotz) November 17, 2024
However, after that, a slew of photos were released and tweeted by other tennis influencers, confirming that the photos were indeed real.
Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz bump into each other in Malaga.
Two superstars. ⭐️⭐️ pic.twitter.com/FgKWLERrmx
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 17, 2024
Alcaraz and Raducanu have been romantically linked with each other for almost a year now. The players have not confirmed that they are a couple. But many allege they are dating secretly.
The Spaniard, however, has been more forthright in expressing his thoughts on relationships, and even Raducanu.
Alcaraz calls Raducanu a ‘special girl’
The World No. 3 has often said that it is difficult for a professional tennis player to maintain a balanced life, or a relationship, because of the demands of the game, and the globe-trotting involved. He is, however, evidently close to Raducanu.
Alcaraz wished Raducanu on her 22nd birthday on November 13, while expressing his desire to play mixed doubles with her.
Carlos Alcaraz wishes Emma Raducanu a happy birthday: “I wish her the happiest of birthdays. She’s a very special girl. Hopefully we will have the chance to play mixed doubles next year, I really want that.” pic.twitter.com/GiKzuPHw1W
— Vic (@limuzinaxd) November 13, 2024
The Spaniard has been liking many of Raducanu’s posts on social media. He, in fact, tries to be one of the first to do it. Fans have also commented on this, hinting at a potential relationship.
Alcaraz also invited the British player to be in his box for the Wimbledon 2024 final. Raducanu accepted the invite and cheered for him, which fueled the rumors further.
On her part, Raducanu has praised Alcaraz several times, calling him an exciting player. She also claimed that he was an inspiring presence during her run at Wimbledon 2024, where she made it to the Round of 16. It was a much better showing compared to the last few years.
Alcaraz and Raducanu are both ‘officially’ single at the moment, having broken up with their previous partners not so long ago. It will be interesting to see either one of them, or both, respond to the picture doing the rounds now. And possibly clear the air, or rather, the romance in the air.
