Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is gearing up for a highly anticipated mixed doubles debut alongside Carlos Alcaraz at the 2025 US Open, set to take place on August 19-20 in New York. The 22-year-old British star, now ranked No. 38, has been making waves not only in singles but also in doubles, experimenting with various partners over recent months. As she prepares to team up with the five-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz in a revamped, star-studded mixed doubles event, Raducanu opened up about her approach to selecting doubles partners, revealing a blend of strategy, spontaneity, and personal connection that guides her choices.
Raducanu’s recent foray into doubles has been a calculated move to sharpen her skills and adapt to challenging conditions. At the Queen’s Club Championships in June 2025, she partnered with fellow Brit Katie Boulter, marking her first competitive doubles outing in some time. The duo secured a victory, showcasing Raducanu’s growing comfort in the format. “I think doubles is a great way to get some extra matches in these conditions,” Raducanu explained, emphasizing her intent to use doubles as a tool to enhance her game ahead of major tournaments like the US Open. Her decision to play doubles in Washington, D.C., at the Mubadala Citi DC Open further underscored this strategy, where she teamed with Elena Rybakina to reach the semifinals before withdrawing due to the intense heat.
Her partnership with Rybakina, a former Wimbledon champion, came about through a spontaneous moment of courage. “She was walking off the practice court, and I was on the practice court, and I was just, like, okay, I’ll give it a shot,” Raducanu recalled, describing how she seized the opportunity to ask Rybakina to play together. The pairing was a natural fit, as the two had previously discussed teaming up for the 2022 Cincinnati Open, though those plans fell through. Their chemistry in Washington, despite the eventual withdrawal, proved Raducanu’s knack for selecting partners who complement her aggressive baseline game and quick court coverage.
The upcoming US Open mixed doubles event, reimagined as a standalone spectacle during Fan Week with a $1 million prize for the winners, has drawn a constellation of tennis stars, including Jannik Sinner with Emma Navarro, Novak Djokovic with Olga Danilovic, and Iga Swiatek with Casper Ruud. Raducanu’s pairing with Alcaraz, dubbed “Alcaranu” by enthusiastic fans, is among the most buzzed-about. The partnership was sparked by Alcaraz’s personal request, a gesture that left Raducanu both surprised and honored. “He asked me earlier on in the year,” she said, admitting, “I was very surprised and honored and obviously very excited.” Though she consulted her team before agreeing, Raducanu’s enthusiasm was clear: “Of course I was going to say ‘yes.’”
Their friendship, forged during their breakout runs at Wimbledon 2021, adds a layer of authenticity to their partnership. “He’s so nice, very happy, amazing values and just a really positive light to be around,” Raducanu said of Alcaraz, who won the 2022 US Open and recently claimed his fifth Grand Slam at Roland Garros 2025. Their bond, rooted in shared experiences as young players navigating sudden fame, has grown through mutual support, from watching each other’s matches to collaborating as Evian ambassadors. Raducanu’s presence in the stands during Alcaraz’s Queen’s Club title run in June, where she noted his “really cool drop volleys,” sparked playful speculation about a romantic connection, which she dismissed with a laugh: “We’re just good friends.”
Alcaraz, also 22, has embraced Raducanu’s leadership in their partnership, humorously calling her “the boss.” “I’m just gonna serve and I’m gonna pull myself away and I let her play,” he quipped, adding, “I will do whatever she wants me to do.” Their dynamic promises to be a highlight of the US Open, with Raducanu curious about “how much of the court he can cover in New York.” The new format, featuring sets to four games with a 10-point tiebreak in lieu of a third set, will test their adaptability, but their shared competitive spirit and camaraderie could make them a formidable team.
Despite the excitement, doubts linger about the event’s feasibility, as some players, including those in the Cincinnati Open finals on August 18, may face scheduling conflicts. Raducanu’s own injury history, including back spasms that forced her withdrawal from the Berlin Open, adds uncertainty, though she remains optimistic. “I’m still managing it,” she said of her back, detailing treatments like “needles, soft tissue, some muscle stimulation stuff, taping, everything.” Her resilience, coupled with Alcaraz’s relentless energy, sets the stage for a thrilling debut. As Raducanu balances her singles campaign and this high-profile doubles venture, her strategic approach to partnerships and unwavering focus signal a player ready to shine on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
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