Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has been soaking up the summer sun before diving into the high-stakes North American hard-court season. The 22-year-old British No. 1 recently embarked on a spontaneous 36-hour getaway to Martha’s Vineyard, a charming island off Massachusetts known for its serene beaches, picturesque harbor towns, and historic lighthouses. Sharing vibrant snapshots on social media, Raducanu captioned her adventure with a playful, “Ted’s on the vineyard – heard it here first. Spontaneous 36h New England summer fun time w [with] friends in MA.” The brief retreat offered a much-needed respite before the Cincinnati Open and the US Open, where she’ll team up with world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster mixed doubles partnership that’s already generating buzz across the tennis world.
Raducanu’s trip to Martha’s Vineyard followed a challenging yet promising 2025 season. After a third-round loss to Amanda Anisimova at the Canadian Open in Toronto, where lingering back spasms from the grass-court season impacted her play, Raducanu seized the opportunity to recharge. The getaway, a whirlwind escape with friends, reflects her knack for balancing intense training with moments of joy, a trait she shares with Alcaraz, who credited a post-French Open holiday in Ibiza for his Queen’s Club title. “Yeah, minus the Ibiza part! I think in that sense, we are quite similar. We both play our best when we’re enjoying it,” Raducanu said, noting their aligned philosophies of channeling positivity on the court. Her ability to find lightness amid a demanding schedule underscores her resilience as she navigates a career marked by both triumph and adversity.
The upcoming US Open mixed doubles event, set for August 19-20, promises to be a highlight of Raducanu’s season. Paired with Alcaraz as wildcard entrants, the duo’s collaboration was sparked when the Spaniard reached out through their agents. “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma,” Alcaraz said after his Queen’s Club victory, where Raducanu was spotted cheering him on. “I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me – I made that special request.” Raducanu, after consulting her new coach Francisco Roig—formerly Rafael Nadal’s mentor—responded with a cheeky, “Gotta keep them on their toes!” She admitted, “I had to ask my team if they thought I should play, but when he asked me, I was going to say yes, I just had to go through the formality of asking my coach.”
Their friendship, rooted in their breakout 2021 runs at Wimbledon and the US Open, adds depth to their partnership. “I’ve known him for years,” Raducanu shared. “Wimbledon 2021 was the first time I started getting to know him, and then again at the US Open. I remember he beat Stef [Tsitsipas] in the third round, his breakout win on a big stage, and it was really cool to go through that tournament together.” Alcaraz, now a five-time Grand Slam champion, echoed her enthusiasm, calling her “the boss” in their doubles dynamic. “I’m just gonna serve and pull myself away and let her play. She will cover a lot of the court,” he said with a laugh, highlighting their playful chemistry. Their bond, forged before fame, is one Raducanu cherishes: “We really value those connections we had from when we were young because that’s a real genuine connection.”
Raducanu’s season has been a tale of steady progress despite setbacks. Now ranked world No. 38, she’s climbed back from a low of 289 in 2023 following wrist and ankle surgeries. Her 2025 highlights include a thrilling three-set win over Emma Navarro in Miami and a strong Washington run, though losses like her Eastbourne defeat to Maya Joint and persistent back issues have tested her. Roig’s appointment as her eighth coach signals a mature approach to her career, with his experience guiding Nadal offering hope for stability. The US Open mixed doubles, featuring star-studded pairs like Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro, and Iga Świątek and Casper Ruud, adds excitement to her campaign. “I’m super excited about it. I think it’s going to be great. It was an amazing idea for the tournament,” Alcaraz said, reflecting the anticipation surrounding the revamped $1 million event.
As Raducanu prepares for Cincinnati and the US Open, her Martha’s Vineyard escape has recharged her spirit. Whether facing teenage wildcard Mimi Xu at Wimbledon or battling top seeds in New York, her focus remains on harnessing positivity, much like Alcaraz’s “smile on the court.” With their shared history and dynamic energy, the Raducanu-Alcaraz partnership promises to light up Flushing Meadows, blending competitive fire with infectious fun.
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