The 2025 US Open mixed doubles tournament, reimagined as a star-studded spectacle, kicked off with a bang at Flushing Meadows, drawing massive crowds to Arthur Ashe Stadium for a whirlwind two-day event. Among the most anticipated pairings was the dynamic duo of Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz, two former US Open singles champions whose partnership had been the talk of the tennis world. However, their much-hyped debut was cut short in a swift 51-minute defeat to Britain’s Jack Draper and American Jessica Pegula, the top seeds, who clinched a 4-2, 4-2 victory in the tournament’s fast-paced, abbreviated format. Despite the loss, the chemistry between Raducanu and Alcaraz, both on and off the court, captivated fans and left a lasting impression.
The revamped mixed doubles event, held on August 19-20 before the singles main draw, was designed to showcase tennis’s biggest names, with a $1 million prize dangling as incentive. Raducanu and Alcaraz, both 22, brought star power in spades, their friendship rooted in their breakout 2021 US Open runs—Raducanu’s historic women’s title and Alcaraz’s early deep run. Their decision to team up, sparked by a text from Alcaraz to Raducanu’s team, was a highlight of the pre-tournament buzz. “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma,” Alcaraz said with a smile, adding, “She’s going to be the boss.” Raducanu, ever playful, admitted to making him wait before agreeing: “Gotta keep them on their toes!” she laughed, noting she consulted her coach but knew she’d say yes.
On court, the pair showed flashes of brilliance despite their inexperience as a unit. Raducanu’s fiery baseline play and Alcaraz’s flair, including a stunning around-the-net winner that drew gasps, thrilled the near-capacity crowd. Yet, Draper and Pegula, a formidable team blending Draper’s powerful serves and Pegula’s doubles expertise as a former world No. 1, proved too polished. Raducanu’s serve was broken in the opening game, setting the tone for the first set. In the second, after a brief 1-0 lead, Alcaraz’s serve faltered, allowing Draper and Pegula to surge to a 3-1 advantage. “I haven’t hit a ball yet,” Pegula quipped to her team, a nod to Draper’s dominance in the rallies. The top seeds sealed the match with clinical precision, advancing to the semi-finals against Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud.
The match, while brief, was played in a festive atmosphere, with fans dancing to an on-court DJ and cheering wildly for both teams. Raducanu and Alcaraz, despite the defeat, were all smiles, sharing fist bumps and laughter throughout. “I’ve known Emma for a really long time, and I have a really good relationship with her,” Alcaraz had said earlier, a sentiment echoed by Raducanu, who described their “genuine connection” forged during their early days on tour. Their camaraderie was evident, fueling fan speculation about their off-court dynamic, though Raducanu dismissed romantic rumors with characteristic wit: “I’m glad the internet’s having fun, and we’re providing some entertainment for everyone.”
The loss didn’t dim the event’s allure. The new format—best-of-three sets to four games with no-ad scoring and a 10-point tiebreak in lieu of a third set—delivered high-energy, unpredictable matches. American doubles legend Mike Bryan praised the setup: “For the excitement levels and for getting the fans to pack the stadium, it is a cool idea to have that star power come out.” The tournament’s scheduling, however, drew scrutiny, with Alcaraz arriving in New York just 24 hours after winning the Cincinnati Open. “The scheduling isn’t the best, playing tomorrow,” he admitted. “Probably going to sleep late but I’ll try to put my best tennis to help Emma get the win.”
For Raducanu, the event was a chance to regain momentum after a season marred by injuries, including persistent back spasms. Her recent doubles experience, including a semi-final run with Elena Rybakina in Washington, showed her growing comfort in the format. Alcaraz, fresh off a Roland Garros-Wimbledon double, brought his signature intensity, though their lack of doubles synergy was evident against the seasoned Draper-Pegula pair. Draper, who had overcome a forearm injury, and Pegula, replacing original partners Zheng Qinwen and Paula Badosa, showcased their adaptability, setting up a semi-final clash that promised more fireworks.
As the dust settled on their debut, Raducanu and Alcaraz’s infectious energy left fans hopeful for future collaborations. The mixed doubles experiment, despite polarizing traditionalists, proved its worth in drawing crowds and showcasing tennis’s biggest stars in a new light. For Raducanu and Alcaraz, the defeat was merely a footnote in a partnership that, for 51 minutes, lit up Flushing Meadows with promise and personality.
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