As the summer tennis season heats up, Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has taken a moment to recharge before diving into the hard-court swing. The British No. 1 recently jetted off for a spontaneous 36-hour retreat to Martha’s Vineyard, a picturesque island off the coast of Massachusetts, known for its charming harbor towns, lighthouses, and sandy beaches. Sharing glimpses of her getaway on social media, Raducanu posted a series of vibrant photos with a playful caption: “Ted’s on the vineyard – heard it here first. Spontaneous 36h New England summer fun time w [with] friends in MA.” The brief escape offered the 22-year-old a chance to unwind with friends before the intensity of the Cincinnati Open and the US Open, where she is set to make waves in a highly anticipated mixed doubles partnership with world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz.
Raducanu’s trip to Martha’s Vineyard came at a pivotal moment in her 2025 season. After a third-round loss to world No. 7 Amanda Anisimova at the Canadian Open in Montreal, where she struggled with back spasms that have plagued her grass-court campaign, the young star is gearing up for a critical stretch. The Cincinnati Open, starting later this week, marks her final WTA 1000 event before the US Open kicks off on August 25. Raducanu’s decision to take a quick break reflects her understanding of the need to balance intense training with mental rejuvenation, a strategy echoed by her soon-to-be doubles partner Alcaraz, who credited a post-French Open holiday in Ibiza for his recent Queen’s Club title. “Yeah, minus the Ibiza part! I think in that sense, we are quite similar. We both play our best when we’re enjoying it,” Raducanu said, highlighting their shared approach to finding joy in the game.
The buzz around Raducanu and Alcaraz’s US Open mixed doubles partnership has electrified the tennis world. Announced as wildcard entrants for the revamped $1 million event, set for August 19-20, the duo’s collaboration promises to blend talent, charisma, and youthful energy. Alcaraz, fresh off his 2025 French Open victory and a thrilling Queen’s Club title defense, initiated the partnership through their agents. “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma,” he said with a smile. “I’m super excited about it. I think it’s going to be great. It was an amazing idea for the tournament.” Raducanu, after consulting her team, agreed, joking, “Gotta keep ’em on their toes!” She admitted she was always inclined to say yes but went through the formality of checking with her coach, Francisco Roig, the former longtime mentor to Rafael Nadal.
Their friendship, forged during their breakout runs at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2021, adds depth to their on-court collaboration. “I’ve known him for years,” Raducanu shared. “Wimbledon 2021 was the first time I started getting to know him, and then again at the US Open. I remember he beat Stef [Tsitsipas] in the third round, his breakout win on a big stage, and it was really cool to go through that tournament together.” Their bond has endured despite their diverging career paths, with Alcaraz amassing five Grand Slam titles while Raducanu works to recapture her 2021 form. “We have a good relationship still. He’s obviously overtaken me a lot, but it’s nice that we have that from a while ago,” she added.
Raducanu’s preparation for the US Open comes with new dynamics off the court as well. She recently welcomed Roig to her coaching team, marking her eighth coaching change in a short but eventful career. Roig’s experience, honed during Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam victories, is expected to provide stability as Raducanu navigates the physical and mental demands of the tour. Her season has shown promise, with a steady climb to world No. 39 and notable wins, including a thrilling three-set victory over Emma Navarro at the Miami Open. However, setbacks like her Eastbourne loss to Maya Joint and persistent back issues have kept her from fully replicating her US Open triumph.
The mixed doubles event, featuring high-profile pairs like Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro, and Iga Świątek and Casper Ruud, adds an extra layer of excitement to Raducanu’s US Open campaign. Alcaraz, ever the team player, has playfully dubbed Raducanu “the boss” in their partnership, saying, “I’m just gonna serve and pull myself away and let her play. She will cover a lot of the court.” Raducanu, in turn, is eager to test her skills against top men’s players, though she admitted, “Ben Shelton’s serve, that scares me.” With their chemistry and competitive spirit, the duo is poised to captivate fans in New York, whether they’re vying for the title or simply enjoying the moment. As Raducanu returns from her sun-soaked getaway, her focus is clear: to harness her renewed energy and make a mark at the US Open, both in singles and alongside her “really positive light,” Alcaraz.
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