The 2025 US Open buzzed with anticipation as two of tennis’ brightest stars, Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, joined forces for a highly publicized mixed doubles partnership. Staged in a revamped format the week before the main draw, the event paired the 2022 men’s US Open champion Alcaraz with Raducanu, the 2021 women’s champion, in a collaboration that had fans dreaming of magic. Yet, their debut was over in a flash, a 4-2, 4-2 defeat to top seeds Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper in just 50 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The loss triggered a wave of reactions, with fans split between admiration for the duo’s charisma and skepticism about their chemistry and the event’s structure.
Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spaniard with six Grand Slam titles, and Raducanu, the British No. 1 whose 2021 US Open triumph as a qualifier remains iconic, brought undeniable star power. Their friendship, rooted in their meteoric rises in 2021, added depth to the pairing. “I think, for all of us, we really value those connections we had from when we were young,” Raducanu reflected. “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 shared her warmth, saying, “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 bond shone through—Raducanu had cheered Alcaraz at Queen’s Club, and he returned the praise: “She plays great. Her game is pretty high. I trust that she’s gonna be on the top very soon.”
The US Open’s restructured mixed doubles event, designed to spotlight singles stars, selected eight teams by combined rankings and granted wildcards to eight others, including defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. Alcaraz and Raducanu’s inclusion was a marketing coup, but their inexperience was glaring against Pegula, a former doubles No. 1, and Draper, Britain’s leading man. A standout moment came when Alcaraz, with his trademark flair, chased a dipping backhand from Draper and whipped it down the line, earning a wide-eyed look from Raducanu. But her struggles at the net and their lack of synergy left them outmatched, despite their evident enjoyment.
Fan sentiment was divided, with a poll showing 52% eager for another Alcaraz-Raducanu pairing, captivated by their potential, while 48% felt their performance fell flat. The format itself faced scrutiny, with 54% of fans dissatisfied, arguing it sidelined doubles specialists. Vavassori suggested a tweak: “Perhaps pitting doubles pairings against singles stars.” Errani and Vavassori’s successful title defense reinforced the argument that doubles expertise often outshines raw talent, prompting calls to integrate the event into the main two-week schedule for broader appeal.
Beyond the court, Alcaraz and Raducanu’s partnership stirred speculation. Their shared Evian ambassadorship and practice sessions, like one before Wimbledon 2025, fueled fan theories about a romance. Raducanu brushed it off: “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, single as of 2024, was rumored to be linked with model Brooks Nader post-tournament, but their connection remained professional, built on mutual admiration.
The duo’s next chapter unfolds at the Racquet at The Rock exhibition in December 2025, where Alcaraz faces Frances Tiafoe and Raducanu takes on Amanda Anisimova. For Alcaraz, the US Open doubles loss barely dented his aura, fresh off his 2025 men’s singles title. For Raducanu, ranked No. 34 and battling injuries, it underscored the road ahead. Their brief doubles stint, though underwhelming, highlighted their magnetic appeal. Whether they team up again or not, Alcaraz and Raducanu’s star power ensures they’ll keep tennis fans talking, on and off the court.
Leave a Reply