In a thrilling twist to the 2025 US Open, tennis sensations Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz have teamed up for the revamped mixed doubles championship, but their journey to glory promises to be anything but straightforward. The British No. 1 and the Spanish five-time Grand Slam champion, both 22, have captured fans’ imaginations with their star-studded partnership, dubbed “Alcaranu” by enthusiastic supporters. However, the draw for the tournament, held on August 19-20 at Flushing Meadows, has handed them a formidable challenge right from the start, pitting them against some of the sport’s biggest names in a competition brimming with talent and drama.
The US Open’s mixed doubles event has undergone a bold transformation this year, moving from its traditional slot during the main tournament to a standalone spectacle during Fan Week, just before the singles competition kicks off on August 24. With a staggering $1 million prize for the winners and a condensed format featuring 16 teams—eight via direct entry based on combined singles rankings and eight wildcards—the event has attracted a constellation of tennis superstars. Raducanu and Alcaraz, who received a wildcard entry, find themselves up against the top-seeded duo of Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper in the first round, a matchup that has sent ripples of excitement through the tennis world. “It’s going to be really, really fun,” Alcaraz said, his enthusiasm tempered by the acknowledgment of the tough road ahead. “She’s the boss,” he added playfully, praising Raducanu’s leadership on the court.
The “Alcaranu” partnership, born from a genuine friendship forged during their breakout runs at the 2021 US Open, has been a focal point of anticipation. Raducanu, the 2021 women’s singles champion, and Alcaraz, the 2022 men’s singles winner, share a bond that transcends the court. “It is nice, and I think, for all of us, we really value those connections that we had from when we were young,” Raducanu said, reflecting on their long-standing camaraderie. Their chemistry, evident in playful banter and mutual respect, has already gone viral, with a US Open interview showcasing their rapport racking up millions of views online. Yet, their on-court synergy will be tested immediately against Pegula, a home-crowd favorite, and Draper, Britain’s No. 1 male player, who stepped in after Paula Badosa’s withdrawal due to injury.
If Raducanu and Alcaraz manage to navigate this opening hurdle, an even more daunting challenge looms in the second round. The winners of their match will face either the Serbian powerhouse duo of Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic or the Russian pairing of Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, and Alcaraz have a history of high-stakes battles, and adding doubles partners into the mix promises a spectacle. “I’m ready to take the challenge,” Alcaraz declared, his competitive spirit undeterred by the prospect of facing such formidable opponents. Raducanu, meanwhile, admitted to feeling “scared” but excited about the opportunity, emphasizing her focus on performing alongside her friend.
The revamped mixed doubles format, with short sets to four games, no-ad scoring, and a 10-point tiebreak in lieu of a third set, is designed to maximize excitement and showcase star power. Other notable pairings include second seeds Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina, who face defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, and third seeds Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, who take on Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe. The star-studded field, which includes nine Grand Slam singles champions, has sparked both excitement and controversy, with some doubles specialists like Errani and Vavassori initially criticizing the format as a “profound injustice” for sidelining traditional doubles players. Despite this, the event’s allure is undeniable, with USTA CEO Lew Sherr noting, “Seeing the teams that have already put their names on the entry list makes us all incredibly excited.”
Off the court, Raducanu and Alcaraz have faced their share of challenges. Rumors of a romance, fueled by their close friendship, have been firmly rebuffed. “We’re just good friends,” Raducanu said with a laugh during a Wimbledon press conference, swiftly shutting down speculation. Raducanu has also dealt with personal struggles, including a stalking incident that left her shaken, though she praised Wimbledon’s efforts to protect her. Alcaraz, fresh off a grueling Cincinnati Open final, faces a tight schedule, raising questions about whether the duo will even take the court. “I will do whatever she wants me to do,” Alcaraz said, underscoring his commitment to their partnership.
As the US Open mixed doubles event approaches, all eyes are on Raducanu and Alcaraz. Their blend of elite skill, youthful energy, and undeniable chemistry has made them a fan favorite, but their “nightmare draw” means they’ll need to bring their A-game to Flushing Meadows. Whether they can overcome the odds and claim the $1 million prize remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: their journey will be a must-watch spectacle, redefining mixed doubles for a new generation of tennis fans.
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