Love is in the air for tennis star Emma Raducanu, whose new flame has been revealed.
The 23-year-old Wimbledon star was seen in photos obtained by the Daily Mail packing on the PDA with John Friend, a public relations executive at Battersea Park, after her loss at the Queen's final.
© Andrew Milligan - PA ImagesDespite her loss, Emma was beaming from ear to ear in the photos, strolling along wearing a blue striped shirt, beige linen shorts and white trainers while walking with what appeared to be John's pet bulldog.
Who is John Friend?
As previously mentioned, John is a PR executive with his own company, JSGF. John was born in London, and his father is an independent board advisor who has served as a committee member on the Queen’s Club real tennis committee.
John, who attended the prestigious British school, Harrow, is the brother of William Friend, the husband of One Tree Hill star, Bevine Prince. William sadly died at the age of 33 after he was struck by lightning.
John is also a trustee of cancer charity Team Antoinette, which seeks to fundraise to find a revolutionary cure for the illness.
The pictures of Emma and John were taken about two years after she reportedly split from her ex-boyfriend Carlo Agostinelli and unfollowed him online.
© GettyThe couple's romance became public knowledge in 2023 when they were photographed together at Paris Fashion Week.
Carlo - who also attended Harrow - is Robert Agostinelli's son, a London-based American private equity billionaire.
Strict boyfriend rules
While she may appear happier than ever, two people who may not be as thrilled are Emma's parents, Ian and Renee, who previously enforced a no-boyfriend rule on the tennis star.
"My parents were very much against [boyfriends] as it interfered with training," she told The Times. "When I was younger, I wasn't even allowed to hang out with my girlfriends. A lot of the time I was very resentful. But it made me very confident and comfortable in my own company, which is also a big strength."
© GettyEmma previously admitted she is aware some fans are more interested in her love life than her tennis prowess. 'I guess it comes with the territory, people being so curious,' she said. " I think they're more curious about this news than any tennis results and tennis news.
"But I just keep to myself, my private life to one side. It's always funny when people try to find something out, but I try not to read into it so much."
