In a whirlwind of anticipation, the tennis world is buzzing with excitement as Carlos Alcaraz, the five-time Grand Slam champion, has confirmed his participation in the 2025 US Open mixed doubles alongside British sensation Emma Raducanu. Fresh off a commanding victory at the Cincinnati Open, where he outplayed an ailing Jannik Sinner in a swift 23-minute final, Alcaraz is now racing against time to join forces with Raducanu in New York. The revamped mixed doubles event, set for August 19-20, promises high stakes with a $1 million prize and a star-studded lineup, but it’s Alcaraz’s personal vow to Raducanu that’s capturing hearts: “I will try to put my best tennis to help Emma get the win. Let’s see if we will get it.”
The 22-year-old Spaniard, already a titan in men’s singles, is stepping into relatively uncharted territory. His doubles experience is limited, with only a quarterfinal appearance alongside Rafael Nadal at the 2024 Olympics and no ATP or Grand Slam doubles since the 2022 Madrid Open. Yet, Alcaraz’s enthusiasm for the challenge is palpable. “The scheduling isn’t the best, playing tomorrow,” he admitted after his Cincinnati triumph, acknowledging the grueling two-hour flight from Ohio to New York. “But the concept of the tournament, I just love it. It’s going to be new for me, which I love.” His determination to compete, despite the tight turnaround, underscores his commitment to Raducanu and their shared goal of clinching the title.
The partnership between Alcaraz and Raducanu, both former US Open singles champions—she in 2021, he in 2022—began with a bold move. Alcaraz revealed he made a “special request” to team up with the British No. 1, texting her the moment he learned of the new mixed doubles format. Raducanu, known for her playful wit, kept him waiting before agreeing. “Gotta keep them on their toes!” she quipped, explaining that she consulted her team before giving her enthusiastic yes. Their friendship, forged during their breakout runs at Wimbledon in 2021, adds depth to their collaboration. “He’s so nice, very happy, amazing values and just a really positive light to be around,” Raducanu said, highlighting the genuine connection that makes their pairing so compelling.
The US Open’s mixed doubles event, reimagined as a standalone spectacle before the main tournament, has sparked both excitement and controversy. Held on the iconic Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong stadiums, it features 16 teams, including heavyweights like Novak Djokovic with Olga Danilovic, Jannik Sinner with Emma Navarro, and Venus Williams with Reilly Opelka. The format—sets to four games, no-advantage scoring, and a 10-point tiebreak instead of a third set—prioritizes fast-paced action, drawing criticism from doubles specialists like last year’s champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who called it a “pseudo-exhibition.” Yet, Alcaraz embraces the challenge, vowing to let Raducanu lead. “She will be the boss!” he declared with a grin, joking, “I’m just gonna serve and pull myself away and let her play.”
Their first-round matchup against Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula promises a fierce battle, with a potential clash against Djokovic and Danilovic looming. Raducanu, who has faced physical challenges this season, including back spasms, remains optimistic. Her recent grass-court campaign, where she reached the Queen’s Club quarterfinals, showed flashes of brilliance, though injuries forced her withdrawal from Berlin. Alcaraz, meanwhile, brings unmatched energy, crediting a post-French Open break in Ibiza for his renewed vigor. “We both play our best when we’re enjoying it,” Raducanu noted, drawing parallels between their fun-loving approaches.
Off the court, their chemistry has fueled speculation among fans, with social media abuzz over moments like Raducanu cheering Alcaraz at Queen’s Club or their joint Evian ambassador event. Yet, Raducanu has firmly dispelled romance rumors, smiling as she said, “We’re just good friends.” Her focus remains on tennis, especially after overcoming a stalking ordeal earlier this year, with Wimbledon’s security earning her praise for protecting her privacy. As the duo prepares to take Flushing Meadows by storm, Alcaraz’s pledge to Raducanu sets the tone: “I will try to be at my best tomorrow after the trip to New York and I’m probably going to sleep late. But it’s going to be fun and great to have those matches.” With their talent, camaraderie, and shared hunger for victory, Alcaraz and Raducanu are poised to make this mixed doubles event a unforgettable spectacle.
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