LONDON — Emma Raducanu has opened up about her relationship with fellow British tennis star Jack Draper after the pair were spotted practicing together ahead of Wimbledon. The 2021 US Open champion and Draper, one of Britain’s rising talents, sparked speculation about a potential off-court connection following their warm-up sessions at the All England Club.
Raducanu, 21, and Draper, 22, have been friends since their junior days, but their recent training partnership at Wimbledon has drawn attention. "We’ve known each other for years," Raducanu told reporters. "It’s great to have someone to train with who understands the pressures of the game."
A Long-Standing Friendship
Raducanu and Draper first crossed paths as juniors, both representing Britain in international competitions. Their careers have since taken parallel trajectories, with Raducanu’s historic US Open win in 2021 and Draper’s steady climb up the ATP rankings. "We’ve always supported each other," Raducanu said. "It’s nice to have that camaraderie."
The pair’s recent training sessions at Wimbledon have been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts. Raducanu, who has struggled with injuries since her breakthrough, has been working on her fitness and consistency, while Draper has been refining his aggressive baseline game. Their collaboration appears to be mutually beneficial.
Training Together: A Strategic Move?
With both players aiming for deep runs at Wimbledon, their partnership could be a strategic advantage. Raducanu’s precision and Draper’s power complement each other well in practice. "We push each other," Draper said in a recent interview. "Emma’s work ethic is incredible, and it motivates me to raise my level."
Key benefits of their training dynamic include:
- Shared insights on grass-court tactics
- Mutual motivation during grueling sessions
- A relaxed yet competitive environment
Addressing the Rumors
Despite speculation about a romantic link, both players have emphasized their relationship is purely professional and friendly. "People love to create stories," Raducanu laughed. "Jack’s a great guy, but we’re just teammates and friends."
Draper echoed her sentiments, adding, "Emma’s an amazing player and person, but we’re focused on our careers right now. It’s all about tennis."
Looking Ahead to Wimbledon
Raducanu, who missed last year’s Wimbledon due to injury, is eager to make an impact this time around. "I’ve missed playing here," she said. "The crowd support is unreal, and I’m ready to give it my all."
Draper, meanwhile, is looking to build on his recent success, including a strong showing at Queen’s Club. "Grass suits my game," he said. "I’m excited to see what I can do at Wimbledon."
Conclusion: A Promising Partnership
While their off-court relationship remains strictly platonic, Raducanu and Draper’s on-court synergy could prove valuable as they navigate the pressures of Wimbledon. Their shared history and mutual respect create a unique dynamic that could benefit both players in the long run.
"At the end of the day, we’re both here to win," Raducanu said. "But having a friend like Jack makes the journey a little more enjoyable."