Alcaraz Just Said He'll "Do Whatever She Wants" About Raducanu and I'm Not Okay

By Lewis Barnett 1 July, 2025 5 mins read 67 Views

Listen, I've been covering tennis for eight years now, and I thought I'd seen everything. But Carlos Alcaraz just went on BBC and basically declared himself Emma Raducanu's on-court servant, and the internet is absolutely losing its collective mind.

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The Quote That Broke Tennis Twitter

So here's what happened. Both Alcaraz and Raducanu crushed their opening matches at Wimbledon yesterday - he barely squeaked past Fognini (gave me a heart attack, honestly), while she demolished that poor British teenager Mimi Xu. Standard stuff.

But then the BBC decided to get cute with their interview format.

They had Raducanu ask Alcaraz a question about their upcoming mixed doubles partnership, and she goes: "I would like to know how much of the court he can cover in New York?!" (Why New York? Nobody knows. Emma's mind works in mysterious ways.)

And this man - this four-time Grand Slam champion - just starts laughing and says: "I'm just gonna serve and I'm gonna pull myself away and I let her play. She will cover a lot of the court. She will be the boss! I will do whatever she wants me to do."

I CANNOT.

They're "Just Friends" (Sure, Jan)

Look, both of them keep insisting they're just good friends. Raducanu's been saying it for weeks now. But the way these two interact? My colleague Sarah texted me yesterday: "If my husband looked at me the way Alcaraz looks at Raducanu, I'd be suspicious."

Apparently they've known each other since 2021 - back when Emma had her fairy tale Wimbledon run and then shocked the world at the US Open. She was 18, he was 18, both just kids trying to figure out this crazy sport.

Now they're both 22 and partnering up for mixed doubles, which honestly feels like the tennis equivalent of agreeing to adopt a puppy together.

The Internet Has Thoughts (Obviously)

The reactions on social media have been... intense. Someone posted "Love this mutual admiration between young champs" which is very diplomatic and sweet.

But then you've got people saying stuff like "The chemistry and the vibes" and "Where is this going?" and honestly, same energy.

One person just wrote "That's total dedication" and I'm pretty sure they weren't talking about tennis strategy.

What Actually Happens Next

The mixed doubles draw is tomorrow, and I genuinely don't know if I'm ready for this chaos. Watching Alcaraz - who's probably the most naturally gifted player I've ever seen - defer to Raducanu's tactical decisions is going to be fascinating.

Or completely awkward. Hard to tell.

Emma mentioned she had to ask her team before agreeing to play with him, which shows she's got her head screwed on straight. But she also admitted that when he asked, she was basically going to say yes anyway. The "formality" of asking her coach was just... well, a formality.

God, these two are either going to win the whole thing or crash and burn spectacularly on Centre Court. There's no middle ground here.

Either way, I'll be watching with popcorn and a very strong coffee. Because something tells me this mixed doubles partnership is going to give us way more drama than anyone bargained for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What role has tennis icons played in the popularization of the sport?

Tennis icons have played an important role in popularizing tennis around the world. Throughout its long history, charismatic and talented players like Billie Jean King, Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, Martina Navratilova, Pete Sampras, Serena Williams, and Roger Federer captured the public’s imagination. Their accomplishments on the court, and their personalities off the court have drawn not only fans to tennis but also inspired the younger generations to play the sport. Their legacy extends beyond their titles. They have shaped tennis culture and the marketplace.

What are some of the most important components to tennis etiquette.

Tennis etiquette, which reflects both respect and sportsmanship, is a fundamental part of the sport. Players are expected to make honest calls on line rulings, avoid distractions during serves, remain silent during rallies, and shake hands cordially after the match. Audiences also participate in this etiquette by remaining quiet during match play and applauding good shots from both competitors. By adhering these unwritten tennis rules, you maintain the gentlemanly tradition and integrity of the sport.

What are tennis' four Grand Slam tournaments?

The four Grand Slam tournaments, also known as the Majors, are the most prestigious events in professional tennis. The four Grand Slam tournaments are the Australian Open, held in January, Wimbledon, in June and August, and the US Open, in September and October. These tournaments offer a high level of competitiveness, a long history, as well as significant rankings points and prize funds. Grand Slams in tennis are considered the highest achievements.

What are some of the historical roots for tennis?

The origin of tennis traces back to 12th century France when a game called jeu de paume was played by monks in monastery courtyards using their hands to hit the ball. With time, rackets came into play, and tennis evolved. In the 16thcentury, European nobility began to play the game. Tennis has changed a lot since it was first invented, with the introduction in the 19th Century of lawn tennis and standardized rules.

How have women's contributions shaped tennis?

Tennis has been significantly shaped by the women's performances, as well as their off-court activism for equality and recognition. Billie Jean King's tireless efforts to promote equal prize-money and professional opportunities for female tennis players led to the Women's Tennis Association's (WTA's) formation in 1973. Steffi Grat, Venus and Serena Williams and Martina Navratilova are icons who have helped to raise the profile of tennis with their talent. Furthermore, women's tennis often commands equal viewership, highlighting the sport's inclusivity and appeal across genders.

Statistics

Graphite became a popular material for tennis racquets in the 1980s, with over 90% of professional players now using graphite or graphite composite racquets.
The four Grand Slam tournaments collectively attract over 3.5 million spectators in person, highlighting tennis's enduring appeal.
The global tennis equipment market reached an estimated value of over 1 billion dollars, reflecting the sport's widespread popularity.
The modern game of tennis originated in England in the late 19th century, with the first Wimbledon Championship held in 1877.
Since the Open Era began in 1968, allowing professional players to compete in the Grand Slams, the United States has produced the most Grand Slam singles titles across men's and women's competition.

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How To

Tennis Conditioning

A tennis-specific conditioning program can improve your performance and reduce the risk of injury. For increased endurance, include cardiovascular exercises, such as cycling and running. Strengthening workouts should target the core, legs, and upper body, reflecting tennis' demand for a powerful base and upper body control. Include agility drills, dynamic stretching and other flexibility exercises in your program. Final, be sure to get adequate rest, recovery and nutrition, as well as hydration and proper nutrition.