Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, is gearing up for a thrilling new chapter in her tennis career as she prepares to join forces with world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in the revamped mixed doubles event at the 2025 US Open. The blockbuster partnership, set to kick off on August 19 in Flushing Meadows, has sparked excitement across the tennis world, but it comes with a bold warning from American star Taylor Fritz, who believes his own pairing with Elena Rybakina could steal the show. As Raducanu recovers from a grueling Cincinnati Open loss to Aryna Sabalenka, her upcoming collaboration with Alcaraz promises to be a defining moment in her season.
Raducanu’s journey to New York has been a rollercoaster. Her third-round clash at the Cincinnati Open against the world No. 1 Sabalenka was a three-hour, nine-minute epic, ending in a heartbreaking 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5) defeat. Despite the loss, Raducanu showcased her resilience, saving four break points in a marathon 22-and-a-half-minute service game to level the third set at 4-4. The match, a rematch of their Wimbledon encounter earlier in 2025, saw both players share a warm embrace at the net, a testament to Raducanu’s growing ability to compete with the elite. “It was an incredible effort from Emma,” Sabalenka acknowledged post-match, praising the Brit’s tenacity. Now, Raducanu is channeling that experience into her preparation for the US Open, where she hopes to recapture the magic of her 2021 title run.
The mixed doubles event, a new two-day format with first and second rounds on Tuesday, August 19, and semifinals and finals the following day, marks a fresh opportunity for Raducanu and Alcaraz, both former US Open singles champions. Their partnership, announced two months ago, has been the talk of the tennis world, fueled by their long-standing friendship that began during their breakout runs at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2021. “He’s so nice, very happy, amazing values and just a really positive light to be around,” Raducanu said of Alcaraz, reflecting on their bond. “I’ve known him for years. Wimbledon 2021 was the first time I started getting to know him, and then again at the US Open. We were staying in touch the whole time, and it’s nice to have that connection from back then.”
However, Taylor Fritz, fresh off a mixed doubles exhibition win with Rybakina at Indian Wells earlier this year, issued a confident warning to the field. “I really do think we’re one of the favorites,” Fritz declared after his third-round victory in Cincinnati. “We have a mixed doubles title already, and I thought we played great there. I’d love to play mixed doubles regularly if it didn’t overlap with singles, but being able to play it before the week starts is amazing. I’m super excited.” Fritz, who considers himself a “specialist” in doubles despite limited experience, believes his synergy with Rybakina could outshine Raducanu and Alcaraz’s star power.
Raducanu’s preparation for the US Open has been shaped by both triumphs and challenges. After a solid grass-court season, where she reached the quarterfinals at Queen’s Club and defeated Marketa Vondrousova at Wimbledon, persistent back spasms forced her to withdraw from the Berlin Open. “It’s OK,” she said of her injury. “I’m still managing it. I have good days and bad days with it.” Her resilience was evident in Cincinnati, where she trained through discomfort and leaned on treatments like acupuncture and muscle stimulation to stay competitive. Off the court, Raducanu has navigated intense media scrutiny, including rumors of a romantic link with Alcaraz, which she lightheartedly dismissed: “We’re just good friends.” Her focus remains on the game, and her decision to partner with Alcaraz came after careful consultation with her team. “Gotta keep them on their toes!” she joked about making Alcaraz wait for her confirmation. “I was going to say yes, I just had to go through the formality of asking my coach.”
The Cincinnati Open also highlighted Raducanu’s growing connection to her fans. After her match, she spent time signing autographs, a nod to the support she’s received since her meteoric rise in 2021. The upgraded Lindner Family Tennis Center, with its new player amenities, provided a comfortable backdrop, though a power outage briefly halted play across the grounds. As Raducanu looks ahead to the US Open, where she’ll face a tough singles draw alongside her doubles campaign, her partnership with Alcaraz—a five-time Grand Slam champion—offers a chance to showcase her versatility. “I’m really happy to be playing with him,” she said, hinting at the excitement of their on-court chemistry. With Fritz and Rybakina looming as formidable rivals, Raducanu’s return to Flushing Meadows promises drama, determination, and a shot at doubles glory.
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