Carlos Alcaraz is currently a focal point at Wimbledon, particularly as he steps onto Centre Court ahead of the tournament’s main draw. However, it isn’t merely his exceptional tennis skills that have captivated the attention of the public; rather, it is the burgeoning friendship he has developed with British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu. The two athletes are preparing to partner in the mixed doubles event at the revamped US Open, which has sparked considerable buzz on social media due to what many describe as a “genuine connection.”
While Emma Raducanu has certainly garnered interest as Alcaraz’s friend, she is not the only WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) star to cross paths with the Spanish tennis prodigy. Recently, he was seen sharing a rather unique gift with world No. 6 Qinwen Zheng. The gift in question was an eye-catching Labubu doll, which is part of a trendy new fashion phenomenon characterized by fuzzy, fanged characters that have taken social media by storm, often seen dangling from high-end luxury bags.
Labubus, manufactured by the Chinese toy company Pop Mart, have skyrocketed in popularity, and certain rare editions are fetching astonishing prices—some exceeding £1,000. Even more dazzling was the recent sale of a human-sized Labubu at a Chinese auction house, which went for over $150,000, illustrating the intense demand for these quirky toys. There have even been reports of customers competing fiercely for the dolls in retail shops across the UK, further amplifying their status as a trendy collectible.
During a training session at Wimbledon, Alcaraz was photographed holding a Labubu doll alongside Zheng. The images quickly went viral, and while the initial impression suggested that Zheng was the one who gifted the doll to Alcaraz, speculation has emerged among fans questioning whether it was actually Alcaraz who presented the unique gift to Zheng, possibly as a token of friendship. In early June, Alcaraz was seen being gifted a Labubu by a fan in London, prompting considerations that he might have reciprocated the gesture.
Further complicating the narrative, Alcaraz was allegedly also seen with the doll in the presence of Zheng’s coach, Pere Riba, who is also a Spaniard, adding credence to the idea that it was Zheng who had extended the gift. The dynamics of their friendship continue to intrigue fans, shedding light on a warm rapport among rising stars in tennis.
Alcaraz’s friendly interactions are not limited to Zheng alone. A noteworthy moment occurred when he was observed signing a racket for Canadian tennis player Leylah Fernandez. Such encounters with WTA players often ignite rumors and speculation in the tennis community. This was evident when Emma Raducanu found herself needing to address the swirling questions regarding her relationship with Alcaraz shortly before. She firmly stated that the two were merely “just good friends,” aiming to clarify the nuances of their partnership as they gear up for their respective Wimbledon singles matches.
As they both focus on their games, Alcaraz is particularly eyeing a historic three-peat at Wimbledon, which would solidify his position as one of the premier players in the sport today. The tennis world is watching closely, not only for the matches that lie ahead but also for the evolving dynamics between these young stars, whose friendships and shared experiences add a fresh layer to the competition.
By the time Wimbledon concludes, it remains to be seen how both Alcaraz’s on-court performance and his off-court relationships will unfold. Viewers can keep up with the action and witness the drama by tuning into streaming services like TNT Sports and discovery+, which will feature highlights and daily recaps of one of tennis’ most prestigious events.
