In the electric atmosphere of the 2025 US Open, the much-anticipated mixed doubles partnership between tennis superstars Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu ignited both excitement and debate among fans. The revamped mixed doubles event, held in the week before the main tournament, paired the two Grand Slam champions—Alcaraz, the 2022 US Open men’s singles winner, and Raducanu, the 2021 women’s singles champion—in a blockbuster collaboration that promised fireworks. However, their campaign was short-lived, lasting just 50 minutes as they fell 4-2, 4-2 to top seeds Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper in the opening round at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The defeat sparked a polarized response from tennis enthusiasts, with some celebrating the duo’s star power and others questioning the format and their on-court chemistry.
The pairing was a dream for tennis romantics. Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spaniard with six Major titles and a reputation for dazzling shot-making, teamed up with Raducanu, the British No. 1 whose fairytale 2021 US Open run captivated the world. Their friendship, forged during their breakout seasons in 2021, added a layer of intrigue. Raducanu revealed their bond, saying, “I think, for all of us, we really value those connections we had from when we were young. Because when you become a bit more known or a bit more successful, you just find yourself reverting back to people you knew from a young age and because that’s a real genuine connection.” Alcaraz echoed the sentiment, noting, “I’ve known Emma since a really long time ago, so we know each other. I have a really good relationship with her. So it’s just going to be interesting.” Their camaraderie was evident, with Raducanu cheering Alcaraz at Queen’s Club and Alcaraz praising her game: “She plays great. Her game is pretty high. I trust that she’s gonna be on the top very soon.”
The US Open’s reimagined mixed doubles format, which prioritized singles stars over doubles specialists, aimed to boost the event’s appeal. Eight teams were selected based on combined singles rankings, with the remaining eight earning wildcards, including defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. Alcaraz and Raducanu’s inclusion generated buzz, but their lack of doubles experience was exposed against the formidable Pegula, a former doubles No. 1, and Draper, Britain’s top male player. A highlight came in the second set when Alcaraz chased down a dipping backhand from Draper, swiping it down the line to earn a stunned glance from Raducanu. Yet, despite their smiles and evident enjoyment, Raducanu struggled at the net, and the pair couldn’t match their opponents’ cohesion.
Fan reactions, as reflected in a recent poll, were split. When asked if they wanted to see Alcaraz and Raducanu compete together again, 52% voted yes, drawn to their charisma and potential, while 48% said no, citing their lackluster performance. The format itself drew criticism, with 54% of fans expressing dissatisfaction, arguing it marginalized doubles specialists. Suggestions for improvement included integrating the event into the main two-week schedule or pitting singles stars against established doubles teams, as proposed by Vavassori: “Perhaps pitting doubles pairings against singles stars.” Errani and Vavassori’s title defense underscored the value of doubles expertise, proving that skill in the discipline often trumps star power.
Off the court, the duo’s partnership fueled speculation beyond tennis. Fans and media have long “shipped” Alcaraz and Raducanu, with their joint Evian ambassadorship and shared practice sessions—like one ahead of Wimbledon 2025—adding to the chatter. Raducanu addressed the rumors, saying, “I guess it comes with the territory, people being so curious. I think they’re more curious about this news than any tennis results and tennis news. But I just keep to myself, my private life to one side.” Alcaraz, who confirmed his single status in 2024, was linked to model Brooks Nader post-tournament, but their on-court connection remained platonic, rooted in mutual respect.
Looking ahead, Alcaraz and Raducanu are set to face off indirectly at the Racquet at The Rock exhibition in December 2025, with Alcaraz taking on Frances Tiafoe and Raducanu facing Amanda Anisimova. The event promises more entertainment, but their US Open experience highlighted both their potential and the challenges of doubles. For Alcaraz, fresh off his 2025 US Open men’s singles title, the loss was a minor blip. For Raducanu, ranked No. 34 and navigating injuries, it was a reminder of the work ahead. As fans debate their future as a duo, one thing is clear: their star power guarantees attention, whether on the court or off it.
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