Emma Raducanu’s Emotional Turnaround After Surprise Call from Carlos Alcaraz
A Hard-Fought Victory at the 2025 National Bank Open
On July 28, 2025, Emma Raducanu showcased her resilience at the National Bank Open in Montreal, securing a hard-fought 6-2, 6-4 victory over her close friend Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the first round. The match, played under the intense scrutiny that has followed the 2021 US Open champion since her meteoric rise, tested Raducanu’s mental and physical endurance. Despite facing five break points in the opening game, Raducanu dug deep, breaking Ruse’s serve twice in the first set and clinching the match after a grueling one-hour-and-37-minute battle. This win marked her sixth victory in her last eight matches, signaling a strong resurgence following her semi-final run at the Citi DC Open earlier that week.
The Weight of Pressure and Criticism
Post-match, Raducanu’s emotions poured out as she reflected on the intense pressure and criticism she had endured leading up to the encounter. The 22-year-old Brit, who has faced scrutiny over her inconsistent form and injury setbacks since her US Open triumph, admitted the toll it had taken. “It’s been tough,” she said in an on-court interview, her voice trembling. “The expectations, the doubts—sometimes it feels like the whole world is watching, waiting for me to fail.” Her vulnerability resonated with fans, many of whom have watched her navigate a challenging career trajectory marked by surgeries and early exits.
A Surprise Call from Carlos Alcaraz
As Raducanu retreated to the locker room, a unexpected call came through from Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish tennis sensation and reigning Wimbledon champion. The two had recently discussed a potential doubles partnership for the upcoming US Open, adding a layer of anticipation to their interaction. What began as a congratulatory call quickly turned into a pivotal moment. Through tears, Raducanu opened up to Alcaraz about the emotional weight she carried into the match against Ruse, a player she considers a friend and with whom she shares a linguistic bond through their Romanian heritage.
The Nine Words That Changed Everything
In a quiet, reassuring tone, Alcaraz whispered nine words that stopped Raducanu in her tracks: “You are stronger than you know, keep believing.” The simplicity of the message, delivered by a peer who has himself faced immense pressure at the top of the game, struck a chord. Raducanu froze, wiped her tears, and a smile slowly spread across her face. The moment, captured by her coaching team and later shared on social media, marked a turning point. “Those words hit me like a reset button,” Raducanu later revealed. “Coming from Carlos, who’s been through so much himself, it reminded me why I started playing this sport.”
A Shift in Mindset
The call infused Raducanu with renewed confidence as she prepares for her second-round match against 32nd seed Peyton Stearns. Her mindset shifted from one of survival to one of empowerment, a critical adjustment as she aims to crack the top 32 rankings and secure a seeded position at the US Open. Coaches and analysts noted a visible change in her demeanor during practice sessions following the call, with Mark Petchey, her coach, commenting, “She’s playing with a lighter heart now.” This emotional boost could prove decisive as she navigates a challenging draw that includes potential matchups with Amanda Anisimova and Elina Svitolina.
Looking Ahead
Raducanu’s journey at the 2025 National Bank Open is far from over, but the surprise call from Alcaraz has added a narrative of camaraderie and support to her story. As she continues to build on her physical resilience—evident in her 16 tournaments this year compared to just 13 in 2024—the emotional support from a fellow star may be the catalyst she needs to reclaim her place among the elite. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this moment of vulnerability and strength propels her to new heights in Montreal and beyond.
