The tennis world is ablaze with anticipation as two of its brightest stars, Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz, prepare to join forces for the 2025 US Open mixed doubles event, set to unfold on August 19 and 20 in New York. Raducanu, the 2021 US Open women’s singles champion, broke her silence on the blockbuster pairing with a quintessentially playful social media post, sharing a split-screen image of herself and Alcaraz beaming during their respective matches. Captioned with a simple “:)) @carlitosalcarazz,” her lighthearted reaction hinted at the chemistry and excitement brewing for their collaboration, dubbed “Alcaranu” by fervent fans. With a revamped format, a $1 million prize purse, and a star-studded lineup, this partnership promises to be a highlight of the tournament’s Fan Week.
Alcaraz, the World No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion, revealed that he personally reached out to Raducanu to form this dynamic duo. Speaking after his 6-4, 7-6(4) first-round victory over Adam Walton at Queen’s Club on June 17, 2025, the Spaniard shared his enthusiasm: “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma. I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me. Yeah, I made that special request.” His playful deference to Raducanu’s leadership shone through as he grinned, “She’s going to be the boss.” Though Raducanu took a moment to consider the offer—“She took a while, but not much,” Alcaraz laughed—their longstanding rapport sealed the deal. “I’ve known Emma since a really long time ago, so we know each other. I have a really good relationship with her,” he added, setting the stage for a partnership rooted in mutual respect and camaraderie.
The US Open’s reimagined mixed doubles event, now a standalone spectacle before the singles draw begins on August 24, has drawn an unprecedented array of top talent. With matches played on Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong courts, the fast-paced format features sets to four games, no-ad scoring, and a 10-point tiebreak in lieu of a third set. The $1 million prize—up $800,000 from 2024—has lured nine of the top 10 men and women, including Jannik Sinner with Emma Navarro, Novak Djokovic with Olga Danilovic, and Naomi Osaka with Nick Kyrgios. Alcaraz and Raducanu, both former US Open singles champions, may need a wildcard to qualify, as only the top eight teams with the highest combined singles rankings gain direct entry. Yet their star power and shared history at Flushing Meadows make them a fan favorite.
Raducanu, now 22, brings a spark of confidence to the partnership. Her recent doubles debut alongside Katie Boulter at Queen’s, playfully dubbed “Boultercanu,” saw her win her first career doubles match before falling to top seeds. “Long live Boultercanu,” she wrote on a camera lens, embracing the format’s fun. Alcaraz, meanwhile, has doubles experience, having paired with Rafael Nadal at the 2024 Olympics and Davis Cup. Their complementary styles—Raducanu’s crafty baseline play and Alcaraz’s explosive athleticism—promise a thrilling synergy. “We are going to enjoy it for sure. I will try to put my doubles skill on it. We will try to win, but obviously it’s going to be really, really fun,” Alcaraz said, balancing ambition with excitement.
This partnership carries extra weight for Raducanu, who faced scrutiny after withdrawing from a 2024 Wimbledon mixed doubles match with Andy Murray, inadvertently ending his career. Her decision to team with Alcaraz reflects a bold step forward, fueled by admiration for his game. Last year, she confessed to studying his matches: “I watched Carlos’s last two matches, and it’s great to watch before stepping onto the court. At times, I try to mimic his shots.” Alcaraz’s recent French Open triumph, a five-set epic against Sinner, and Raducanu’s second-round run at Roland Garros underscore their form heading into New York.
As Flushing Meadows gears up for this electrifying event, the “Alcaranu” duo stands out in a field brimming with intrigue, from Aryna Sabalenka and Grigor Dimitrov to off-court couple Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas. British No. 1 Jack Draper, paired with Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng, humorously endorsed Raducanu’s choice: “A wise person once told me you should find the best partner, and that’s what she did in Alcaraz. I don’t blame her at all.” With the tennis world watching, Raducanu and Alcaraz are poised to deliver a spectacle of skill, charisma, and sheer joy, redefining mixed doubles for a new era.
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