The 2025 US Open is set to kick off with a blockbuster showdown as tennis superstars Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz, the dynamic duo dubbed “Alcaranu,” prepare to take on the No. 1 seeds, Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper, in the first round of the revamped mixed doubles championship. This electrifying matchup, part of a star-studded 16-team field during Fan Week at Flushing Meadows, promises to ignite the courts before the singles tournament begins on August 24. With a $1 million prize at stake and a condensed, high-energy format, Raducanu and Alcaraz face a daunting path, but their chemistry and talent make them a force to be reckoned with.
The US Open’s mixed doubles event has been reimagined as a standalone spectacle, moving from its traditional slot to a prime spot during Fan Week, August 19-20. Featuring eight teams selected by combined singles rankings and eight wildcard entries, the tournament boasts nine Grand Slam singles champions, including Raducanu, the 2021 women’s champion, and Alcaraz, the 2022 men’s winner. Their wildcard entry pits them against Pegula, a US Open finalist, and Draper, Britain’s top male player, who stepped in after Paula Badosa’s withdrawal due to injury. “It’s going to be really, really fun,” Alcaraz said, his excitement palpable despite the tough draw. “She’s the boss,” he added with a grin, nodding to Raducanu’s commanding presence on the court.
The “Alcaranu” partnership is rooted in a friendship that began during their breakout 2021 US Open runs. Raducanu, now 22, reflected on their bond, saying, “It is nice, and I think, for all of us, we really value those connections that we had from when we were young.” Their off-court camaraderie, showcased in a viral US Open interview that racked up millions of views, has fans buzzing about their potential. However, the first-round clash against Pegula and Draper is no easy feat. Pegula’s powerful baseline game and Draper’s aggressive serve make them a formidable pair, and Raducanu admitted to feeling “scared” but thrilled about the challenge. “I’m ready to take the challenge,” Alcaraz echoed, his competitive fire undimmed.
Should Raducanu and Alcaraz advance, the road only gets tougher. The second round could see them face either Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic or Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev, a potential rematch of Alcaraz’s epic battles with Djokovic. The tournament’s fast-paced format—short sets to four games, no-ad scoring, and a 10-point tiebreak instead of a third set—amplifies the intensity, demanding quick adaptation and precision. Other notable pairings include No. 2 seeds Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina, who face defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, and No. 3 seeds Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, who take on Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe. USTA CEO Lew Sherr captured the excitement, noting, “Seeing the teams that have already put their names on the entry list makes us all incredibly excited.”
The event hasn’t been without controversy. Doubles specialists like Errani and Vavassori initially called the format a “profound injustice” for prioritizing singles stars, but the star power has drawn massive crowds. Raducanu and Alcaraz, both navigating the pressures of fame, have also faced personal challenges. Raducanu dismissed romance rumors, saying, “We’re just good friends,” during a Wimbledon press conference, while addressing a stalking incident that left her shaken. Alcaraz, fresh off a grueling Cincinnati Open final, faces a tight schedule but remains committed. “I will do whatever she wants me to do,” he said, underscoring their partnership’s strength.
As Flushing Meadows gears up for this mixed doubles extravaganza, Raducanu and Alcaraz stand at the center of a tennis revolution. Their blend of skill, charisma, and friendship has made them fan favorites, but overcoming the top seeds will require every ounce of their talent. Whether they can defy the odds and chase the $1 million prize remains to be seen, but their first-round battle promises to be a thrilling chapter in their storied careers, captivating fans and redefining mixed doubles for a new era.
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