In a thrilling development for tennis enthusiasts, Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz, two of the sport’s brightest young stars, are teaming up for the mixed doubles event at the 2025 US Open, sparking excitement both on and off the court. The announcement of their partnership, confirmed earlier this summer, has set the tennis world abuzz, with fans eagerly anticipating their chemistry in New York. The pair, both 22 years old and former US Open singles champions—Raducanu in 2021 and Alcaraz in 2022—bring a blend of talent, charisma, and a longstanding friendship to this high-profile collaboration.
The US Open’s mixed doubles event, revamped for 2025 to take place during Fan Week from August 19–20, promises to be a star-studded affair, featuring top players like Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Novak Djokovic. The event’s new format and a boosted prize pool of $1 million have attracted elite singles players, but the Raducanu-Alcaraz pairing, affectionately dubbed “Alcaranu” by fans, has captured the most attention. Their collaboration is not just about competition; it’s a celebration of a genuine bond forged during their early days on the professional circuit.
Raducanu and Alcaraz first connected at Wimbledon in 2021, a pivotal year for both. “I’ve known him for years, and actually, Wimbledon 2021 was the first time I started getting to know him,” Raducanu shared, reflecting on their early encounters. That summer, both players made waves—Raducanu reached the fourth round at Wimbledon as a wildcard, while Alcaraz notched a significant victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas at the US Open. “I remember he was always playing the day before me, and I would see him win, and then I would have motivation to win and get myself into that position too,” Raducanu recalled. Their parallel journeys through the 2021 US Open, where Raducanu clinched her historic title as a qualifier, deepened their connection. “We were staying in touch the whole time, and yeah, it’s nice,” she added, emphasizing the authenticity of their friendship.
The decision to team up came about when Alcaraz, a five-time Grand Slam champion, made a “special request” to Raducanu. “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma,” he said with a smile after a match at Queen’s Club. However, Raducanu didn’t immediately say yes. “She took a while,” Alcaraz laughed, noting that she consulted her team before agreeing. “Gotta keep them on their toes!” Raducanu quipped, showcasing her playful side. Alcaraz, embracing her leadership, declared, “She’s gonna be the boss,” hinting at their dynamic on the court.
Their partnership has not been without challenges. Speculation about a romantic connection has swirled, fueled by Raducanu’s presence in the stands during Alcaraz’s matches at Queen’s Club, where he clinched the title, and their joint appearance at an Evian promotional event, a brand both represent as ambassadors. Raducanu addressed the rumors head-on during a pre-Wimbledon press conference, smiling as she stated, “We’re just good friends.” The moderator swiftly ended further questions, prompting Raducanu to laugh and remark, “Way to wrap up!” Despite the gossip, their focus remains on tennis, with Alcaraz praising Raducanu’s game: “She plays great. Her game is pretty high. I trust that she’s gonna be on the top very soon.”
However, a potential hurdle looms. The Cincinnati Open’s final, scheduled for August 18, falls just a day before the US Open mixed doubles begins. A deep run by either player in Cincinnati could disrupt their plans, but both are determined to make their partnership work. Raducanu, who has battled injuries but climbed back to No. 45 in the WTA rankings, is also partnering with Elena Rybakina in Washington to hone her doubles skills, while Alcaraz brings experience from playing with Rafael Nadal at the 2024 Olympics.
As the US Open approaches, the “Alcaranu” duo is poised to bring flair and firepower to Flushing Meadows. “We will try to win, but obviously it’s going to be really fun,” Alcaraz said, capturing the spirit of their venture. With their shared history, mutual respect, and undeniable talent, Raducanu and Alcaraz are set to make waves, proving that their bond—rooted in genuine friendship—could be the key to a memorable run.
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