In a thrilling development for tennis fans worldwide, Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu have officially confirmed their partnership for the 2025 U.S. Open Mixed Doubles Championship, dispelling earlier doubts about their participation. The dynamic duo, both former U.S. Open singles champions, will take to the courts at Flushing Meadows on August 19-20, 2025, in a revamped, high-stakes event that promises to captivate audiences with its star-studded lineup and innovative format. Their decision to compete together has sparked excitement, fueled by their longstanding friendship and undeniable on-court chemistry, making them one of the most anticipated pairings in the tournament’s history.
The 22-year-old Alcaraz, the reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion, reached out to Raducanu, Britain’s No. 1 women’s player, with a personal request to join forces. “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma,” Alcaraz said after a victory at Queen’s Club earlier this year, his enthusiasm evident. The Spaniard, who has clinched five Grand Slam singles titles, revealed that Raducanu took her time before agreeing, adding a playful twist to their story. “She took a while,” he said with a laugh. “Not much, but she had to think a bit.” Raducanu, also 22 and the 2021 U.S. Open women’s champion, responded with her characteristic wit: “Gotta keep ’em on their toes! I mean, of course, I had to ask my team if they wanted me to play, but when he asked me, I was going to say yes.” Their banter, coupled with a genuine connection forged during their breakout runs at the 2021 Wimbledon and U.S. Open, has fans buzzing about their potential to dominate the mixed doubles draw.
The U.S. Open’s reimagined mixed doubles event, now a standalone spectacle held during Fan Week before the main draw begins on August 24, features a condensed field of 16 teams, with eight earning direct entry based on combined singles rankings and eight receiving wildcards. Alcaraz and Raducanu, despite their star power, secured a wildcard due to Raducanu’s current No. 39 WTA ranking. The tournament’s new format, with sets played to four games, no-ad scoring, and a 10-point tiebreak in lieu of a third set, is designed to spotlight top singles players like Alcaraz, Raducanu, Jannik Sinner, and Iga Swiatek, while offering a hefty $1 million prize to the winning pair. “The US Open came to us and gave us the opportunity to play mixed doubles,” Alcaraz said. “I’m super excited about it, it’s going to be great, it was an amazingly idea from the tournament.”
Their partnership, dubbed “Alcaranu” by enthusiastic fans, is rooted in a friendship that began when both were rising stars. “I’ve known him for years,” Raducanu shared, recalling their early encounters at Wimbledon 2021. “He was always playing the day before me, and I would see him win and then I would have motivation to win and get myself into that position too.” Their bond was further highlighted when Raducanu watched Alcaraz’s semi-final victory at Queen’s Club in 2025, marveling at his “cool drop volleys” and joking, “Yes, let’s save some of that!” Alcaraz, in turn, has embraced Raducanu’s leadership on the court, playfully declaring, “She’s going to be the boss. I will do whatever she wants me to do.” He even quipped, “I’m just gonna serve and pull myself away and let her play,” showcasing his trust in her tactical prowess.
Despite their excitement, concerns had swirled about their participation due to a grueling schedule. The Cincinnati Open finals on August 18, just a day before the mixed doubles event, posed a potential conflict, especially after Alcaraz withdrew from the Canadian Open with a muscle injury and Raducanu prioritized her singles campaign. However, their inclusion on the latest entry list, announced just days ago, confirms their commitment. They join an elite field featuring Sinner with Emma Navarro, Novak Djokovic with Olga Danilovic, and Venus Williams with Reilly Opelka, among others. The event has faced criticism from doubles specialists like Sara Errani, who called it a “pseudo-exhibition,” but the star power of Alcaraz and Raducanu is undeniable.
Off the court, their friendship has sparked speculation, though Raducanu has firmly dismissed romantic rumors. “We’re just good friends,” she said with a smile during a Wimbledon press conference, emphasizing the authenticity of their bond. Their shared endorsement with Evian, a U.S. Open sponsor, has further amplified their visibility, with Alcaraz recently joining Raducanu as a brand ambassador. As they prepare for New York, Raducanu is determined not to let her partner down. “I really want to do as best as I can to not let my partner down,” she said, her competitive spirit shining through. With Alcaraz’s 18-match winning streak and Raducanu’s resurgence, their partnership promises to blend elite skill with infectious energy, potentially redefining mixed doubles for a new generation of fans.
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