As the tennis world gears up for the 2025 US Open, British star Emma Raducanu has received a significant boost in her preparations for an exciting mixed doubles partnership with Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz. The duo, dubbed “Alcaranu” by enthusiastic fans, is set to headline a revamped mixed doubles showcase during the tournament’s Fan Week on August 19-20, promising a thrilling spectacle at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. This high-profile collaboration has sparked widespread excitement, blending the talents of two former US Open singles champions—Raducanu, who made history in 2021 as the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam, and Alcaraz, the 2022 champion and current world No. 2.
Raducanu, now ranked 46th globally, has been diligently honing her skills in Washington, where she’s competing in both singles and doubles events. Her recent doubles practice with 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina marks another strategic step to sharpen her net play, a critical asset for the upcoming mixed doubles challenge. “I think the time I spent on the doubles court for sure helped me for my first round here, and I think it can improve my volley skills,” Raducanu remarked, reflecting on her recent doubles outing with compatriot Katie Boulter at Queen’s Club, where they reached the quarter-finals. This focus on doubles underscores her commitment to versatility, especially as she prepares to complement Alcaraz’s dynamic playing style.
The Alcaraz-Raducanu partnership is rooted in a friendship forged during their breakout runs at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2021. “He’s so nice, very happy, amazing values and just a really positive light to be around,” Raducanu said of Alcaraz, emphasizing the genuine connection they’ve maintained despite their divergent career paths. Alcaraz, a five-time Grand Slam champion at just 22, personally invited Raducanu to join him in this venture. “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma,” he shared, adding with a grin, “She’s going to be the boss.” His playful deference highlights their camaraderie, with Raducanu joking that she kept him waiting before agreeing to the partnership: “Gotta keep them on their toes!”
The US Open’s reimagined mixed doubles format, featuring a $1 million prize pool, has attracted a star-studded lineup, including pairings like Jannik Sinner with Emma Navarro and Novak Djokovic with Olga Danilovic. The event, condensed into a two-day spectacle with sets played to four games and a 10-point tiebreak in lieu of a third set, aims to captivate a younger audience. Alcaraz’s recent doubles experience, including an Olympic stint with Rafael Nadal, gives him an edge, while Raducanu’s sharp returns and court vision are expected to mesh well with his raw power. “We both play our best when we’re enjoying it,” Raducanu noted, drawing parallels between their fun-loving approaches.
However, the road to Flushing Meadows hasn’t been without challenges. Raducanu’s preparation has been hampered by a lingering back injury, prompting her withdrawal from the Berlin Open. Despite this, her appearance at Queen’s Club to cheer Alcaraz’s semi-final victory signaled her resilience. Alcaraz, fresh off a Queen’s Club title and a rejuvenating Ibiza getaway, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “It’s going to be really, really fun.” Their chemistry, evident in a viral US Open interview where they playfully disagreed over a coin toss, has only fueled fan excitement.
Social media is abuzz with the hashtag #Alcaranu, and Raducanu’s Instagram teaser garnered over 600,000 likes, reflecting the global anticipation. British No. 2 Jack Draper endorsed the pairing, calling it “the best combination they could’ve gone with, star appeal and real talent.” Yet, the duo faces uncertainty, as several high-profile pairs have withdrawn, raising questions about whether Raducanu and Alcaraz will prioritize singles. Their entry isn’t guaranteed, with only the top eight ranked pairs securing automatic spots, though their star power makes a wildcard likely.
As Raducanu balances singles and doubles in Washington, facing Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in singles and teaming with Rybakina against Britain’s Olivia Nicholls and Tereza Mihalikova, her focus remains clear. The US Open mixed doubles debut with Alcaraz offers not just a chance for glory but a celebration of their shared journey from teenage hopefuls to tennis titans. With their infectious energy and complementary skills, this partnership could redefine doubles excitement in New York.
Leave a Reply