In a thrilling development for tennis fans worldwide, Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion, has revealed that he personally reached out to Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open women’s singles champion, to form a blockbuster mixed doubles partnership for the 2025 US Open. The announcement, made after Alcaraz’s victory at the Queen’s Club Championships, has sparked excitement and speculation, with the charismatic Spaniard playfully declaring, “She’s going to be the boss,” when asked about their on-court dynamic. This high-profile pairing, dubbed “Alcaranu” by enthusiastic fans, promises to bring star power and electrifying chemistry to Flushing Meadows in August.
The US Open’s mixed doubles event, reimagined as a standalone spectacle on August 19 and 20, before the main tournament begins on August 24, has attracted a star-studded lineup, including world No. 1 Jannik Sinner with Emma Navarro, Aryna Sabalenka with Grigor Dimitrov, and Novak Djokovic with Olga Danilovic. The revamped format, featuring a $1 million prize pool and matches on prestigious courts like Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong, aims to draw top singles players, and Alcaraz and Raducanu’s partnership is undoubtedly the most eye-catching. “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma,” Alcaraz said after defeating Adam Walton 6-4, 7-6 at Queen’s. “I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me – I made that special request.”
The 22-year-old duo, who first connected during their breakout runs at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, share a longstanding friendship that adds depth to their collaboration. Raducanu, now Britain’s No. 1, recalled their early bond: “I’ve known him for years. Wimbledon 2021 was the first time I started getting to know him. He was always playing the day before me, and I would see him win and then I would have motivation to win.” Their camaraderie, forged through shared experiences as young prodigies, has grown stronger over the years. “He’s so nice, very happy, amazing values and just a really positive light to be around,” Raducanu gushed, emphasizing the “genuine connection” they’ve maintained since their teenage years on tour.
Alcaraz’s decision to partner with Raducanu wasn’t instantaneous for the British star, who admitted to keeping him waiting. “Gotta keep them on their toes!” she laughed, explaining that she consulted her team before agreeing. “I had to ask my team if they thought I should play, but when he asked me, I was going to say yes, I just had to go through the formality of asking my coach.” Her playful response highlights the lighthearted dynamic between the two, which was evident when they were spotted practicing volleys together at a sponsor event for Evian at Wimbledon. Raducanu, watching Alcaraz’s semi-final win at Queen’s, noted his flair: “I saw some really cool drop volleys and I was like: ‘Yes, let’s save some of that!’”
Despite their limited doubles experience—Alcaraz partnered Rafael Nadal at the 2024 Olympics, while Raducanu recently debuted in doubles with Katie Boulter at Queen’s—their individual prowess suggests they could be a formidable team. Alcaraz, fresh off a French Open title and a second Queen’s Club crown, brings explosive athleticism, while Raducanu’s agility and court coverage complement his style. “I’m just gonna serve and I’m gonna pull myself away and I let her play,” Alcaraz joked at Wimbledon, adding, “She will cover a lot of the court. She will be the boss. I will do whatever she wants me to do.” Raducanu, meanwhile, is managing a recurring back issue but remains optimistic, stating, “I will stop on the court regardless.”
The partnership has also fueled off-court speculation, with fans and media buzzing about a potential romance. Raducanu swiftly dispelled such rumors, smiling as she told reporters, “We’re just good friends.” Her lighthearted dismissal, followed by a quip—“Way to wrap up!”—when the moderator cut off further questions, underscored her focus on tennis. As they prepare for the US Open, where the mixed doubles format features shorter sets and a 10-point tiebreak in lieu of a third set, Alcaraz and Raducanu are poised to deliver both competitive fire and infectious fun, making their debut one of the most anticipated events of the 2025 tennis season.
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