The tennis world is abuzz with anticipation for the 2025 US Open’s reimagined mixed doubles event, but a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the blockbuster partnership of Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz, dubbed “Alcaranu” by fans. The duo, both former US Open singles champions, were set to join forces in a star-studded tournament on August 19-20, just before the main draw begins on August 24. However, scheduling conflicts stemming from the Cincinnati Open have sparked outrage among fans, who fear the demanding calendar could jeopardize the participation of top players like Alcaraz and Raducanu. The controversy has ignited debates about the sport’s grueling schedule and its impact on players’ health and performance.
The revamped US Open mixed doubles event, featuring a $1 million prize for the winning pair, has drawn an unprecedented lineup of singles stars, including Jannik Sinner with Emma Navarro, Iga Swiatek with Casper Ruud, and Novak Djokovic with Olga Danilovic. The format, with first-to-four-game sets, no-ad scoring, and a 10-point tiebreak instead of a third set, promises high-energy matches. Raducanu and Alcaraz, who secured a wildcard entry, have been a focal point of excitement due to their longstanding friendship and on-court chemistry. “I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me – I made that special request,” Alcaraz revealed, admitting that Raducanu, whom he playfully called “the boss,” took time to consider before agreeing. “She took a while, not much, but she had to think a bit,” he added with a laugh.
However, the Cincinnati Open, with its men’s and women’s finals scheduled for August 18, has thrown a wrench into the plans. Severe storms in Ohio caused a backlog of matches, forcing players like Alcaraz, who is set to face Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals, to endure a compressed schedule in sweltering conditions. Fans have taken to social media to slam the ATP and WTA for what they call an “unfair” and “exhausting” calendar, arguing that players may be too fatigued to compete in New York just a day later. “Cincinnati final on Monday, US Open mixed doubles on Tuesday. I guess Alcaraz-Raducanu is very much *off*,” one fan posted, reflecting widespread frustration. Others echoed concerns for players like Sinner and Alexander Zverev, who are also in Cincinnati’s later rounds and listed for the mixed doubles.
Raducanu, who exited Cincinnati early after a third-round loss to Aryna Sabalenka, is better positioned to compete but has faced her own challenges. After a semi-final run in Washington and a doubles stint with Elena Rybakina, she’s been managing a lingering back injury. “I’m just trying to focus on my game and keep improving,” she said, emphasizing her work with new coach Francisco Roig. Alcaraz, fresh off his 2025 French Open and Wimbledon titles, cited fatigue after Wimbledon, raising doubts about his participation. “The North-American swing was a tour that I hoped would be better,” he admitted after an early US Open singles exit last year. Coco Gauff’s decision to skip the mixed doubles, citing a packed schedule, further fuels skepticism. “For me, it was just because I know the free week of the US Open is already packed for me,” Gauff explained.
The controversy extends beyond scheduling. Doubles specialists like Kristina Mladenovic have called the event’s format “terribly shocking,” arguing it sidelines traditional pairs like last year’s champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. “When two world number ones in doubles don’t get into the tournament, there’s probably nothing more to say about it,” Kateřina Siniaková remarked. Former coach Barry Fulcher also questioned whether big names will show up, calling it an “exhibition event” rather than a true Grand Slam. “I will be fascinated to see how many of those 16 pairings actually turn up and play,” he told reporters. Despite the criticism, the USTA’s bold move aims to spotlight mixed doubles, with matches set for Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadiums.
As fans await confirmation of Alcaraz and Raducanu’s participation, the tennis world is left grappling with the balance between innovation and player welfare. The “Alcaranu” pairing, with Raducanu’s grit and Alcaraz’s flair, could be a highlight, but the sport’s relentless schedule threatens to dim their star power in New York.
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