The “Alcaranu” phenomenon: Love on the court or fan fantasy?
Amidst the fervor for tennis, a spark has ignited the imagination of fans: the possible relationship between Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu. The pair, now united in the mixed doubles event of the US Open, has unleashed a wave of speculation and enthusiasm on social media, fueling the phenomenon known as “shipping”.It all started with a promotional video for the US Open, where the complicity between Alcaraz and Raducanu was evident. The question of what they would choose in the initial draw sparked laughter and complicit glances, fueling the flames of speculation. The event, moved to a week before the main tournament, offered the best players the opportunity to compete for a Grand Slam trophy and a prize of one million dollars. Alcaraz, after learning of the new format, contacted Raducanu to be his partner. She accepted, starting a series of events that have captivated fans.
The publication of the video on Instagram, which accumulated millions of views, was the trigger. The fans’ comments were immediate, going from simple admiration to the creation of a romantic narrative. “When is the wedding?”, “Carlos’ smile is bigger than normal”, and the classic “Love is on the court”, are just a few examples of the fervor that the couple has generated. This “shipping” phenomenon is not new. Fans, through platforms like Reddit and Google Trends, have shown a growing interest in the possible relationship between Alcaraz and Raducanu. The search “Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu” experienced a 2,250% increase in the last 90 days, coinciding with Raducanu’s presence at an Alcaraz match at Wimbledon. The term “ship”, derived from “relationship” (relación), is used to express the desire for two people, whether fictional or real, to enter into a romantic relationship. This concept has existed for decades, from magazine covers suggesting romances between celebrities, to online forums and social networks. In the world of tennis, Chris Evert and Jimmy Connors were one of the first couples to spark the interest of fans. Speculation and enthusiasm reached their peak, but the breakup of their engagement left a void among the followers. This dynamic, which is repeated in different areas, demonstrates the fans’ need to connect with celebrities and create their own stories. Fan fiction, an essential component of “shipping”, has existed for centuries. Fans create their own narratives, extending stories and developing relationships that are not always present in reality. Platforms like Wattpad and AO3 are home to thousands of stories about Alcaraz and Raducanu, where fans explore the connection between them.
Meanwhile, in a VIP suite during a Coldplay concert, journalist Luna Rhodes witnesses an unexpected encounter. Alcaraz and Raducanu, holding hands, seem to confirm the fans’ suspicions.
