Jack Draper Explains Why Emma Raducanu Chose Carlos Alcaraz Over Him For Dream Link-Up

Jack Draper will pair up with Qinwen Zheng for the US Open as Carlos Alcaraz made a special request to Emma Raducanu for the link-up.

Jack Draper Explains Why Emma Raducanu Chose Carlos Alcaraz Over Him For Dream Link-Up

Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Draper, Emma Raducanu (Image via X/Wimbledon, TNT Sports)

Jack Draper doesn’t wonder at all why Emma Raducanu, instead of him, chose to partner with Carlos Alcaraz for this year’s US Open mixed doubles. Draper, after securing his first-round win at the Queen’s Club Championship, joked that he doesn’t blame Raducanu for pairing up with the Spaniard.

In New York, Raducanu scripted history when she lifted the US Open back in 2021, as a qualifier and a teenager. The following year, Alcaraz tasted his first success in Majors at the US Open.

Alcaraz, after his first-round win at the Queen’s over Adam Walton, revealed that he made a “special request” to Raducanu, who he thinks would be the “boss” during their matches at Flushing Meadows. According to Draper, Raducanu chose the best partner.

Yeah, I mean, a wise person once told me you should find the best partner, and that’s what she did in Alcaraz. I don’t blame her at all for that (smiling). Yeah, I think she will have a lot of fun playing with Carlos. He’s obviously the best player in the world probably right now, along with Sinner. Great at doubles, as well. Saw that with Rafa [Nadal] at the Olympics.

Draper’s partner is 2024 Olympic gold medalist Qinwen Zheng, who once revealed her dream doubles partner was the British No.1. The 23-year-old revealed at the press conference that it was he who approached the Chinese ace through their management agency IMG.

Both Zheng and Raducanu played at the Queen’s and met in the quarterfinals. The first seed eliminated Raducanu but later eighth seed Amanda Anisimova came from a set down to knock her out before losing the final to Tatjana Maria. Raducanu later withdrew from the Berlin Open due to a back problem and so did Zheng due to neck injury.

Alcaraz, on the other hand, will play compatriot Jaume Munar who received a walkover from Jordan Thompson. The five-time Grand Slam champion is chasing his fifth title of the season and his fourth on grass and will meet Draper if they both reach the championship match.

Jack Draper makes his feelings known on pressure and expectations from British fans

Jack Draper is the winner of three singles titles but none of them he has lifted in a home tournament. His first title was the 2024 Stuttgart Open and later, he doubled the tally by winning the Vienna Open the same year.

Jack Draper (4)
Jack Draper (Image via X/ The Tennis Letter)

This year, Draper lifted the biggest trophy of his career when he beat Holger Rune to win Indian Wells en route to which he knocked out Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals, denying the World No.2 a chance to defend his crown. Later, Draper reached the Madrid Open final only to lose to two-time French Open finalist Casper Ruud.

For sure the British fans expect him to win at Queen’s thanks to his recent results and also the fact that he achieved a career-high ranking of No.4. But Draper doesn’t want to dwell on the pressure of playing at home to keep focusing on his game.

In a tennis player’s life, there is already enough stress and necessary routines to think too much about what people expect from me here in my country. I know I am one of the favorites to achieve significant things, and I am happy with that because I am living the dream I had as a child.

Jack Draper said at the press conference

Draper produced his best Grand Slam performance when he reached the semifinals of the US Open last year (lost to eventual winner Jannik Sinner). At Wimbledon, however, Draper has never progressed beyond the second round, reaching the stage in 2022 and 2024.

Also read: Carlos Alcaraz Believes He Doesn’t Have Any “Mental Advantage” over Arch-Rival Jannik Sinner