In a whirlwind of triumph and tight schedules, Spanish tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz has confirmed his participation in the 2025 US Open mixed doubles alongside British star Emma Raducanu, a decision made mere hours after his commanding victory at the Cincinnati Open. The 22-year-old, fresh off a dominant performance against an ailing Jannik Sinner in the Cincinnati final, is embracing the challenge of a rapid cross-country dash to New York, showcasing his relentless drive and commitment to both his partner and the sport’s newest high-stakes event.
Alcaraz’s Cincinnati Open win was a bittersweet affair. Leading 5-0 in the opening set, the world No. 2 watched as his rival, Sinner, was forced to retire due to illness after just 23 minutes on court. The victory marked Alcaraz’s first Cincinnati Open title, making him the youngest champion since Andy Murray in 2008 and only the third Spaniard to claim the ATP Masters 1000 trophy, following in the footsteps of Carlos Moya and Rafael Nadal. Yet, the abrupt end to the match left little time for celebration, as Alcaraz faced an immediate decision: would he honor his commitment to team up with Raducanu for the US Open’s revamped mixed doubles event, set to begin less than 24 hours later?
The scheduling posed a significant hurdle. With a two-hour flight from Cincinnati to New York and the mixed doubles opener against top seeds Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula slated for Tuesday, August 19, Alcaraz admitted the timing was far from ideal. “The scheduling isn’t the best, playing tomorrow,” he confessed, acknowledging the physical and mental toll of the quick turnaround. Yet, his enthusiasm for the innovative tournament format and his partnership with Raducanu outweighed the logistical challenges. “The concept of the tournament, I just love it,” he said, his excitement palpable. “I’m going to have so much fun playing there, playing with Emma.”
The US Open mixed doubles event, reimagined for 2025, is a star-studded affair designed to captivate fans during the tournament’s Fan Week at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. With a $1 million prize pool and a streamlined two-day format, the competition features a who’s-who of tennis elite, including Venus Williams, Naomi Osaka, Novak Djokovic, and Iga Świątek. The unique rules—sets to four games, no-advantage scoring, and a 10-point tiebreak in lieu of a third set—promise fast-paced, high-energy matches. Alcaraz and Raducanu, both former US Open singles champions (Raducanu in 2021, Alcaraz in 2022), face a formidable challenge in their opening match against Draper, a rising British star, and Pegula, a doubles veteran and billionaire heiress with seven titles to her name.
Despite the daunting draw, Alcaraz’s resolve remains unshaken. “I will try to be at my best tomorrow after the trip to New York and probably going to sleep late,” he quipped, adding, “I’ll try to put my best tennis just to help Emma to get the win.” His commitment to Raducanu underscores their longstanding friendship, forged during their breakout runs at the 2021 US Open. “We have a good relationship,” Alcaraz noted, recalling their shared journey as young talents navigating the pressures of professional tennis. Raducanu, who made history as the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam, has described their bond as a “genuine connection,” rooted in mutual respect and shared experiences.
Alcaraz’s decision to compete in mixed doubles, despite his limited doubles experience—his last ATP or Grand Slam doubles outing was the 2022 Madrid Open—reflects his adventurous spirit and desire to embrace new challenges. His only recent doubles foray was a quarterfinal run with Rafael Nadal at the Olympics, a testament to his ability to adapt. For Raducanu, the partnership offers a chance to build momentum heading into the US Open singles draw, where she hopes to recapture the magic of her 2021 triumph. “It’s going to be tough against Draper and Pegula,” Alcaraz admitted, “but I will try to enjoy as much as I can.”
As Alcaraz races from Cincinnati to New York, the tennis world watches with bated breath. The “Alcaranu” duo, as fans have dubbed them, brings together two of the sport’s brightest young stars, each with a point to prove. Whether they can overcome the odds—and a stacked field—to claim the $1 million prize remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Alcaraz’s determination to stand by Raducanu signals a partnership built on camaraderie and ambition, ready to light up Flushing Meadows.
Leave a Reply