Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has been making waves in the tennis world with her recent performances, but her latest doubles match alongside Elena Rybakina at the Washington Open has left fans and analysts buzzing with concern. As the British star prepares to team up with Carlos Alcaraz for a highly anticipated mixed doubles partnership at the upcoming US Open, her recent doubles outing has raised eyebrows, with some describing her play as “horrific” and questioning her readiness for the high-stakes collaboration with the Spanish sensation.
Raducanu, currently ranked 46th in the world, partnered with Rybakina in a doubles match that showcased both her potential and her struggles. While the duo secured a victory, fans took to social media to voice their critiques, pointing out several aspects of Raducanu’s game that appeared unpolished. “Raducanu needs to work on court awareness in doubles,” one observer noted, highlighting her occasional lack of positioning and coordination with her partner. Another was more blunt, stating, “Some of the Raducanu net play in this doubles with Rybakina is horrific!” The sentiment was echoed by others, with one fan lamenting, “Raducanu and Rybakina are trying to play doubles like singles!” These reactions suggest that Raducanu’s aggressive, singles-oriented style may not have fully adapted to the nuances of doubles play, where teamwork, quick reflexes at the net, and strategic positioning are critical.
The match, which took place on July 22, 2025, in Washington, D.C., was a rollercoaster of moments that underscored both Raducanu’s talent and her areas for improvement. While she and Rybakina managed to outlast their opponents, the victory was not without its hiccups. Fans noted moments where Raducanu appeared out of sync with Rybakina, missing opportunities at the net and struggling with the fast-paced exchanges that define doubles tennis. One particularly vocal critic remarked, “Rybakina and Raducanu are an atrocious doubles team,” a harsh assessment that reflects the high expectations placed on Raducanu given her meteoric rise to fame four years ago.
This performance has sparked concern not only among fans but also for those anticipating her upcoming partnership with Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion and a four-time Grand Slam winner. The duo’s announcement of their mixed doubles collaboration at the US Open has generated significant excitement, but Raducanu’s recent display has led some to question whether she can hold her own alongside Alcaraz, whose dynamic and versatile game has made him one of the sport’s brightest stars. “Carlos must be watching this like 😦,” one fan posted, capturing the unease that Raducanu’s doubles struggles might carry over to their high-profile team-up in New York.
Despite the criticism, Raducanu’s singles campaign in Washington shows promise, as she prepares to face World No. 36 Marta Kostyuk in her next match. Her packed schedule in the capital reflects her commitment to regaining the form that saw her clinch the 2021 US Open title as a qualifier, a feat that remains one of the most remarkable in tennis history. However, the transition to doubles requires a different skill set, and Raducanu’s recent performance suggests she may need to refine her court awareness and net play to succeed in this format. The pressure is particularly high given her history of injuries, including wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023, which have made consistency a challenge.
Raducanu’s journey back to the top has been marked by resilience and a renewed sense of joy on the court. Her recent grass-court season, including a quarter-final run at Queen’s and a competitive showing against Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon, has demonstrated her ability to compete with the best. Yet, the doubles format presents unique challenges, and with the US Open looming, all eyes will be on whether she can adapt her game to complement Alcaraz’s flair. “I think I did make good progress in the last few months, 100%, with the consistency and the work I’ve been doing,” Raducanu said after her Wimbledon loss, a statement that reflects her determination to keep improving.
As the tennis world awaits the Raducanu-Alcaraz partnership, the British star has an opportunity to address these concerns in the coming weeks. With her talent and work ethic, there’s little doubt she can rise to the occasion, but the clock is ticking to fine-tune her doubles game. For now, fans and Alcaraz alike will be hoping that Raducanu can channel her singles prowess into a cohesive doubles performance, ensuring their US Open campaign is a success rather than a source of worry.
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