Emma Raducanu hits out at 'terrible' Carlos Alcaraz relationship question

Emma Raducanu's life has been under a microscope since her historic US Open win four years ago, when she became the first qualifier to lift a Grand Slam title. Her private affairs have been in the spotlight more than ever over the last couple of months, after she signed up to play with ATP star Carlos Alcaraz in the new mixed doubles event in Flushing Meadows.

Since then, speculation has been rife over whether Raducanu and Alcaraz's friendship it something more. At Wimbledon last month, where she bowed out in the third round after an impressive showing against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, some were vying to know who she was dating.

Ahead of the tournament, the British No. 1 was outright asked whether the Alcaraz dating rumours were true. "We're just good friends," she said at the time.

But the questions persisted, and fellow British tennis star Cameron Norrie - in a long-term relationship with Louise Jacobi, who was in his box throughout his run to the Wimbledon quarter-finals - was even asked whether he was the one dating Raducanu.

Following her run to the third round in Cincinnati this week, the world No. 39 has now had her say on the invasive line of questioning, and she made her thoughts very clear.

"Yeah, and Cam's questions, too. That was terrible. Terrible," she told the Guardian.

The sad reality is that Raducanu has become accustomed to prying eyes. But she's at least learned to block out the noise.

The 22-year-old added: "I guess I'm like, it comes with the territory, people being so curious. I think they're more curious about this news than any tennis results and tennis news.

"But I just keep myself to myself, my private life to one side. It's always funny when people try to find something out, but I try not to read into it so much."

There will no doubt be more gossip and speculation when Raducanu and Alcaraz finally team up in New York next week for the all-new mixed doubles competition.

Sixteen teams will compete for the trophy and a £737k ($1million) prize. Eight pairs have secured their spots in the draw based on their combined singles rankings, and eight more will receive wildcards.

Only six wildcards have been announced so far, with former singles champions Raducanu and Alcaraz receiving one. The likes of Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro, and Holger Rune and Anisimova have also made it into the draw, though none of them have received relationship questions.

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