The 2025 US Open is set to kick off with a blockbuster event as Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, two of tennis’s brightest stars, have been awarded wildcards to compete in the revamped Mixed Doubles Championship on August 19-20 at Flushing Meadows. This dynamic duo, both former US Open singles champions, headlines a star-studded field of 16 teams vying for a $1 million prize, a bold reimagining of the tournament designed to spotlight top singles players. Their partnership, born from a longstanding friendship and mutual admiration, promises to blend Alcaraz’s explosive athleticism with Raducanu’s tactical finesse, captivating fans in a high-energy, fast-paced format.
Alcaraz, the World No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion, initiated the partnership with a direct text to Raducanu. “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma,” he said after a Queen’s Club victory in 2025. “I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me. Yeah, I made that special request.” Raducanu, the 2021 US Open winner, didn’t immediately accept, keeping the Spaniard on edge. “She took a while,” Alcaraz laughed. “Not that much, but obviously she had to ask, and she had to think a little bit.” Raducanu, with a playful nod, explained, “Gotta keep ’em on their toes! I had to ask my team if they wanted me to play. But for me, when he asked me, I was going to say yes.” Their connection, forged during their breakout runs at the 2021 US Open, deepened through shared sponsor activations, including an Evian event at Wimbledon 2025, where Raducanu cheered Alcaraz’s semi-final win. “I saw some really cool drop volleys,” she said, “and I was like: ‘Yes, let’s save some of that!’”
The revamped Mixed Doubles Championship, held during Fan Week before the main singles draw begins on August 24, features a condensed format: best-of-three sets to four games, no-ad scoring, and a 10-point tiebreak in lieu of a third set. Eight teams earned direct entry via combined singles rankings, while Alcaraz and Raducanu, joined by five other wildcard pairs, including Novak Djokovic with Olga Danilovic and Venus Williams with Reilly Opelka, round out the field. Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who initially criticized the format as a “profound injustice,” also secured a wildcard. “It shows that the players are behind what we are trying to do, and we know that the fans will love it,” said USTA CEO Lew Sherr, highlighting the event’s appeal.
Alcaraz and Raducanu, dubbed “Alcaranu” by fans, bring a combined six Grand Slam titles to the court, with Alcaraz’s 2022 US Open and Raducanu’s 2021 triumph in New York fueling excitement. Their friendship, rooted in 2021 when Raducanu watched Alcaraz’s matches for inspiration, adds authenticity to their pairing. “I’ve known him for years,” Raducanu said, recalling their early connection. “The ones that you’ve known for a long time mean a lot more to you.” Alcaraz, playfully deferring to her leadership, quipped, “She’s gonna be the boss,” while joking he’d “just serve and pull myself away and let her play.” Their camaraderie has sparked social media buzz, though Raducanu clarified, “We’re just good friends. I’m glad the internet is having fun and we’re providing some entertainment for everyone.”
The event’s star power is unmatched, with nine of the top 10 men and women, including Jannik Sinner with Emma Navarro, Iga Swiatek with Casper Ruud, and Paula Badosa with Jack Draper, who replaced Qinwen Zheng after her elbow surgery. However, scheduling conflicts with the Cincinnati Open finals on August 18 raise doubts about participation, as players like Sinner or Alcaraz may face tight turnarounds. Despite criticism from doubles specialists like Kristina Mladenovic, who called the format “terribly shocking,” the USTA’s vision to “elevate mixed doubles with a bigger spotlight” has drawn unprecedented attention.
For Alcaraz, fresh off a 2025 French Open title and a Wimbledon final loss to Sinner, the event offers a chance to showcase his versatility after skipping Toronto to manage minor injuries. Raducanu, rebounding from a back issue and a strong Montreal run, sees it as a fun prelude to her singles campaign. “I’m just gonna serve and I will do whatever she wants me to do,” Alcaraz said, embracing the lighthearted dynamic. With Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadiums hosting, and a $1 million prize at stake, the “Alcaranu” partnership could redefine mixed doubles, blending star power, friendship, and fierce competition.
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