The 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship has ignited the tennis world with its star-studded lineup and a massive $1 million prize, and no pairing has generated more excitement than Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu. Dubbed “Alcaranu” by enthusiastic fans, the duo—both former US Open singles champions—face a daunting yet thrilling path to the final in the revamped two-day event, set for August 19-20 at Flushing Meadows. With a challenging draw, a tight schedule, and the weight of global expectations, their journey to the coveted title promises drama, skill, and perhaps a touch of their infectious camaraderie.
The tournament, reimagined to spotlight top singles players, features a fast-paced format with best-of-three sets played to four games, no-advantage scoring, and a 10-point tiebreak in lieu of a third set, except in the final, which uses six-game sets. Held on Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadiums, the event kicks off with first-round matches on Tuesday, August 19, and Alcaraz and Raducanu, granted a wildcard entry due to their combined singles rankings, face a formidable opening test against top seeds Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper. “She’s going to be the boss,” Alcaraz said with a grin, acknowledging Raducanu’s leadership in their partnership. Their first-round clash, scheduled third on Arthur Ashe Stadium not before 2:00 p.m. local time (7:00 p.m. BST), pits them against Pegula, a world No. 4, and Draper, Britain’s No. 1 and Raducanu’s childhood friend, who stepped in after original partners Tommy Paul and Paula Badosa withdrew.
Should Alcaraz and Raducanu triumph, their quarter-final matchup could be a blockbuster against either Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic or Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev. The Serbian duo brings Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam titles and Danilovic’s rising star power, while Andreeva and Medvedev combine youthful flair with seasoned precision. “I’ve known Emma for a really long time, and I have a really good relationship with her,” Alcaraz noted, emphasizing their bond forged during their 2021 breakout seasons. This connection could be key as they navigate the high-pressure environment, especially against opponents with Djokovic’s pedigree or Medvedev’s tactical nous.
Advancing to the semi-finals, Alcaraz and Raducanu might face Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe, or Naomi Osaka and Gael Monfils, each pairing a blend of power and charisma. Swiatek, a Wimbledon champion, and Ruud, a consistent Grand Slam contender, pose a technical challenge, while Osaka and Monfils could electrify the court with their athleticism. The final hurdle could see them up against Jannik Sinner and Katerina Siniakova, Taylor Townsend and Ben Shelton, or Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, the defending champions. Sinner, the world No. 1, and Siniakova, a doubles specialist, are particularly dangerous, especially given Sinner’s own Cincinnati Open final commitment on August 18, mirroring Alcaraz’s logistical challenge.
The tight schedule adds a layer of uncertainty to their campaign. Alcaraz, fresh off a grueling Cincinnati final against Sinner, faces a two-hour flight from Ohio to New York and a mere 24-hour window to recover before their opener. “I’m ready to take the challenge,” Alcaraz said of his Cincinnati matchup, but the physical toll of that battle could impact his doubles performance. Raducanu’s team remains hopeful, maintaining close contact with Alcaraz’s camp to ensure his participation. Raducanu, managing back spasms with treatments like acupuncture, expressed resilience: “It’s OK. I have good days and bad days with it.” Her recent doubles success, including a Washington semi-final with Elena Rybakina, bolsters their chances.
The event’s $1 million prize, a significant jump from 2024’s $200,000, has drawn criticism from doubles specialists like Errani and Vavassori, who called it a “profound injustice” for prioritizing singles stars. Yet, the format has undeniably elevated the event’s profile, with nine of the top 10 men’s and women’s players competing. Raducanu, reflecting on their partnership, highlighted their genuine connection: “He’s so nice, very happy, amazing values and just a really positive light to be around.” Their chemistry, evident in a viral promotional video with 3.2 million Instagram views, has fueled fan excitement, though Raducanu laughed off romance rumors, insisting, “We’re just good friends.”
With only 16 teams, the path to the final is short but brutal, requiring three wins over two days. Alcaraz and Raducanu’s youth, star power, and shared history—forged during their 2021 US Open runs—make them a fan favorite, but their success hinges on overcoming elite competition and logistical hurdles. If they can harness their singles prowess and Raducanu’s newfound doubles experience, the “Alcaranu” duo could claim the $1 million prize and etch their names into US Open history. Fans can watch live on ESPN in the US or Sky Sports in the UK, with the tennis world eagerly awaiting whether this dynamic pairing can conquer the odds.
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