Emma Raducanu lost the Queen's Club final to Donna Vekic on Sunday and was later photographed with new partner John Friend in Battersea Park. The images sparked online comments focused on their age difference. Raducanu is scheduled to compete at Wimbledon in two weeks.
Raducanu, 23, fell to Vekic 6-0, 7-6(8-6) in the final. The 29-year-old Croatian reached the main draw as a lucky loser and secured the victory in the tiebreak.
Hours after the match, Raducanu was seen holding hands with 32-year-old PR executive John Friend while walking in Battersea Park. An eyewitness told The Sun that the pair appeared affectionate and unconcerned by onlookers.
Fans online highlighted the nine-year age gap in their reactions. Comments included remarks such as "Age gap icky to me" and observations about Friend's appearance.
Raducanu improved her ranking from 42nd to 31st following the final and earned a seeding for the upcoming Wimbledon tournament.
