The tennis world is abuzz with anticipation for the 2025 US Open, but a cloud of uncertainty hangs over one of the most exciting pairings announced for the revamped mixed doubles event: Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz. The two young Grand Slam champions, both former US Open singles winners, were set to team up for a high-profile doubles showcase during Fan Week, August 19–20, in New York. However, recent developments, including Alcaraz’s injury concerns and the demanding tournament schedule, have sparked fears that their much-hyped partnership may not materialize, leaving fans and organizers on edge.
The US Open’s mixed doubles event has undergone a dramatic transformation this year, designed to draw top-tier talent with a lucrative $1 million prize for the winners and a condensed two-day format played before the singles draw begins on August 24. Eight teams will qualify based on their combined singles rankings, while eight others, including Raducanu and Alcaraz, have secured wildcard entries. The innovative format has attracted star-studded pairings, such as world No. 1s Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro, Aryna Sabalenka and Grigor Dimitrov, Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, and Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic. Yet, several high-profile teams, including Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa, have already withdrawn, fueling concerns that Raducanu and Alcaraz might follow suit.
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, and Alcaraz, the 2022 winner, have been friends since their breakout performances at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2021. Their camaraderie, forged during their teenage years on tour, has added to the excitement surrounding their partnership. “I’ve known him for years,” Raducanu shared, reflecting on their bond. “Wimbledon 2021 was the first time I started getting to know him. 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.” Alcaraz echoed her enthusiasm, calling the US Open’s offer to play together “an amazing idea” and jokingly declaring, “She’s going to be the boss.” Their chemistry, both on and off the court, was evident when Raducanu cheered Alcaraz on at Queen’s Club, where he clinched the title, and during a joint Evian photoshoot, further stoking fan excitement.
However, logistical and physical challenges threaten their participation. Alcaraz, fresh off a grueling Wimbledon final and a French Open title in June 2025, withdrew from the Canadian Open to manage “small muscle issues” and recover “physically and mentally” for upcoming events. His decision to prioritize singles, where he’s a favorite to add a sixth Grand Slam title, raises doubts about his commitment to the mixed doubles. Raducanu, now ranked No. 39 after climbing from a low of 289 due to wrist and ankle surgeries in 2023, is also focused on her singles campaign. Her decision to skip mixed doubles with Andy Murray at Wimbledon 2024 to conserve energy for singles suggests she might make a similar choice now, especially as she aims to secure a top-32 seed at Flushing Meadows.
The scheduling of the Cincinnati Open, which concludes just hours before the mixed doubles begins, adds further complications. A deep run in Cincinnati for either player could leave them with little time to prepare for the doubles event. “Raducanu and Alcaraz broke the internet with the announcement, and fans can’t wait to see the two giants of the sport team up,” noted one observer, but the tight schedule could “scupper those plans.” Raducanu’s recent form, including a strong win over Marta Kostyuk at the Canadian Open, indicates her focus on singles, while Alcaraz’s injury concerns make his participation uncertain.
Despite these challenges, the duo’s inclusion on the latest entry list as wildcard entrants has alleviated some fears. Their partnership, dubbed “Alcaranu” by fans, promises to be a highlight, with Alcaraz praising Raducanu’s high-level game and expressing confidence in her return to the top. “She plays great,” he said. “She’s struggling a little bit lately, but I’m pretty sure that she’s gonna get there.” Raducanu, meanwhile, values their long-standing connection, noting, “We really value those connections that we had from when we were young… that’s a real genuine connection.”
As the US Open approaches, the tennis community remains hopeful that Raducanu and Alcaraz will bring their star power to the mixed doubles court. With other notable pairs like Jack Draper and Paula Badosa, and Venus Williams and Reilly Opelka also confirmed, the event promises to be a spectacle—if the stars align.
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