Cam Norrie was left shocked at his Wimbledon press conference by a question about Emma Raducanu.
The Brit should have been answering questions about his third round 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 6-3 win over Mattia Bellucci.
However, one journalist decided to use the time for another topic.
Raducanu’s dating life has become a talking point with links to star Carlos Alcaraz being increased last month after the pair were named mixed doubles partners for the revamped US Open tournament.
The 19-year-old Brit, who lost her Wimbledon third round clash against Aryna Sabalenka on Friday despite a valiant effort, has always played down dating rumours.
Ahead of the tournament she was asked about her relationship with the Spaniard and replied: “I’m glad the internet is having fun and we’re providing some entertainment for everyone.”
The pair both came to the fore at the 2021 US Open, which Raducanu won.
“Ever since, we’ve stayed in touch and he’s done so well obviously since and continued winning and it’s been amazing to see because we were speaking and friends before anyone won anything,” Raducanu added.
This year at SW19, though, the talk has become more prominent.
So much so, other players, including fellow Brit Jack Draper, have had their friendship with Raducanu queried.
And after victory over Bellucci, Norrie was asked: “Apart from everyone here loving tennis, some of the gossip has been about who Emma Raducanu is dating. Can I ask if you’re dating her?”
A shocked Norrie quick picked his head up and replied: “Sorry?”
Only for the reporter to then reply: “We’re trying to find out who is dating Emma Raducanu and it seems to be going round all the men’s singles, so I was wondering if you were dating her, please?”
“I’m not, no. You can ask her, though. I don’t know,” Norrie replied, clearly uncomfortable with the query.
Norrie did get some questions about his victory as he looks to replicate his run to the semi-finals three years ago.
“It was a tough match,” Norrie said. “I didn’t start as well as I would have liked. I didn’t really flinch like the match before. I just held my nerve and played well, kind of stole that first set then ran away with the match after that.
“I’m not going to change anything. I’m feeling the ball really well. I practised for about 10, 15 minutes yesterday. I stopped. I was feeling good.
“Expectations are only ever expectations. I want to just keep taking care of what I can. I’ve come to enjoy this tournament. I want to keep doing that and keep giving people, my friends, my family, my team, something to cheer about.”
Next up, Norrie faces Chilean qualifier, and world No.143, Nicolas Jarry.
It’s a favourable fourth round draw for the Brit, ranked 61st, who will have had his hopes buoyed by a host of seeds falling in the early stages.
In the Men’s Singles, just 12 of the 32 have been left standing while another is set to fall with Flavio Cobolli (22) and Jakub Mensik (15) facing off and Andrey Rublev (14) set to play defending champion Carlos Alcaraz (2).
