Since the announcement of their US Open mixed doubles partnership in June, Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz have been making waves in the tennis world. Their decision to team up in New York sparked endless speculation. However, tennis legend Chris Evert recently shut down all the dating rumours surrounding the Raducanu-Alcaraz partnership.
What Did Chris Evert Say About the Raducanu-Alcaraz Partnership?
Former world No. 1 Evert was asked whether Raducanu and Alcaraz reminded her of her flame-filled pairing with ex-fiancé Jimmy Connors. Without hesitation, she shut down any comparison: “No, because they’re not having a relationship.”
She went on to reflect on how different the media environment is today: “I’m so glad I came up in the ’70s, not in this day and age. Because, I mean, jeez, you’re controversial and talked about no matter what you do.”
Tennis icon Chris Evert shuts down Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu ‘relationship’ talk 🗣️#Tennis #USOpen pic.twitter.com/uc5FhN1ukQ
— Tennis365 (@tennis365com) August 20, 2025
In Evert’s era, top players faced controversies, but nothing like today’s 24/7 social-media storm. Her engagement to Connors was front-page news in 1975–76.
Evert and Connors were two of the sport’s biggest stars, winning a total of 26 Grand Slam titles between them. Their engagement lasted about a year before they split amicably, each going on to marry other people. Their brief romance remains a talking point among tennis historians, but it lacked the relentless modern media storm now targeting the off-court friendship between Raducanu and Alcaraz.
A Look at the US Open Mixed Doubles Partnership
Raducanu and Alcaraz announced their mixed doubles partnership when the US Open confirmed its revamped mixed doubles format. Speaking at Wimbledon, Alcaraz revealed that he approached Raducanu with the proposal as they have been friends since the 2021 Wimbledon.
The partnership gained significant public attention when Raducanu was spotted in the stands supporting Alcaraz during his Queen’s Club semifinal match against Roberto Bautista Agut. The duo was spotted at the grass courts of Wimbledon during their joint practice sessions.
There were rumours that the British-Spanish duo might withdraw from the tournament, given that Alcaraz was in the Cincinnati Open final on August 18, 2025. He won the title after world number one Jannik Sinner retired due to medical issues. Alcaraz then immediately took a flight to New York, arriving late Monday evening to join Raducanu for their mixed doubles debut, showcasing the importance of this matchup.
However, their highly anticipated debut on Arthur Ashe Stadium concluded in just 51 minutes. Despite notable moments, including Alcaraz’s spectacular around-the-net winner that left Raducanu visibly amazed, Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula controlled the match from the beginning. The top-seeded pair won the game comfortably in straight sets.
