Tennis fans worldwide have been captivated by the meteoric rise of Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, but recently, the buzz has shifted from his powerful forehand to his personal life. After months of swirling speculation and a brief but intense media frenzy linking him to fellow tennis star Emma Raducanu, the young champion's relationship status has been officially clarified in the most direct way possible—by his own family.
LONDON — The romantic rumors that have followed Carlos Alcaraz since his ascent to the top of the tennis world have finally been put to rest, not by a formal press release, but by a celebratory social media post from his older sister. The confirmation reveals that the two-time Grand Slam champion is indeed dating American model Brooks Nader, putting an end to the widespread speculation about a potential romance with British player Emma Raducanu.
From Centre Court to the Front Page
The world first took notice of a potential connection between Alcaraz and Nader during the prestigious Wimbledon tournament in 2023. The model was spotted in the player's box, enthusiastically supporting the Spaniard during his matches. While initially dismissed as a friendship, their public outings together in the following months fueled the gossip columns. The speculation reached a fever pitch, however, when Alcaraz was also seen spending time with Emma Raducanu, leading to a confusing crossfire of rumors about who, if anyone, he was actually dating.
The Raducanu link proved to be a classic case of media presumption. The two young stars, both seen as the fresh faces of tennis, were photographed together at events and shared a friendly practice session ahead of the Indian Wells tournament. This was enough for many outlets to prematurely declare a "tennis power couple." However, sources close to both players consistently maintained they were just friends, a fact that has now been definitively proven.
The Official Confirmation
The definitive word came not from a tabloid, but from Alcaraz's inner circle. His sister, Jaime Alcaraz, who is also a model, posted a series of photographs on her Instagram story in late May 2024 from a family vacation in Ibiza. The photos featured Carlos, Jaime, and Brooks Nader, all smiling and enjoying time together. The most telling caption simply read, "Family ❤️" alongside a heart emoji, seamlessly including Nader in the family unit and confirming her status to the world.
This public embrace from his sister effectively ended all speculation. Fans and commentators alike saw it as the official seal of approval, moving the relationship from the realm of rumor into confirmed fact. The couple themselves have maintained a relatively low profile, choosing to keep their relationship private despite their high-profile careers.
Who is Brooks Nader?
While Alcaraz is a household name in the sports world, Brooks Nader is a well-established figure in the fashion industry. The 28-year-old Louisiana native is best known for her work as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, having made her debut in the iconic magazine's 2020 issue. Her career highlights include:
- Being named "Rookie of the Year" by Sports Illustrated in 2020.
- Walking runways for major fashion brands during New York Fashion Week.
- Building a significant social media following with over 1 million Instagram followers.
- Working with prestigious brands like Bulgari, Dolce & Gabbana, and L'Oreal.
Nader is also no stranger to the world of athletics; she was a competitive gymnast for over a decade during her youth, which perhaps gives her a unique appreciation for the discipline and dedication required of a world-class athlete like Alcaraz.
Navigating the Spotlight
The relationship between a global sports star and a high-fashion model is inevitably conducted under the intense glare of the public eye. Both Alcaraz and Nader have handled the attention with grace and discretion. They are occasionally spotted together at events, such as the recent Met Gala in New York, where they walked the red carpet separately but supported each other from afar. A source close to the couple noted, "They are both very focused on their careers but are enjoying getting to know each other. They're keeping things private and low-key, which works for them."
This approach stands in stark contrast to the media circus that surrounded the unfounded Raducanu rumors. It demonstrates a conscious effort to protect their budding relationship from the often-overwhelming nature of public scrutiny, allowing it to develop naturally away from the headlines.
A Supportive Partnership
For Alcaraz, having a stable and supportive personal life is crucial for maintaining his form on the court. Nader has already been seen fulfilling the role of a supportive partner, cheering him on from the stands during key matches. Her presence at Wimbledon last year was a clear early sign of their connection. This support system is invaluable for a young athlete dealing with the immense pressure of being world number one and the constant demands of the tour.
Tennis insiders have observed a positive influence. Commentator and former player Pam Shriver remarked, "It's always interesting to see how young champions handle fame and relationships. Carlos seems very grounded, and having someone like Brooks, who understands the demands of a high-profile career but operates in a different sphere, could be a wonderful balance for him. It keeps his life off the court interesting and separate from the pressure of tennis."
While the confirmation from his sister Jaime has settled the question of "who," the couple continues to write their story privately. For now, fans can be content knowing that their favorite tennis star is happy off the court, supported by a new partner who has been warmly welcomed into the Alcaraz family fold. The chapter on the Emma Raducanu rumors is firmly closed, making way for the real story of Carlos Alcaraz and Brooks Nader.