The tennis world is abuzz with anticipation and apprehension as the 2025 US Open approaches, with the spotlight fixed on the high-profile mixed doubles partnership between Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz. The duo, dubbed “Alcaranu” by enthusiastic fans, was set to ignite Flushing Meadows with their star power in a revamped mixed doubles event scheduled for August 19-20. However, recent developments, including Jack Draper’s withdrawal from the same event and Alcaraz’s injury concerns, have sparked fears that the blockbuster pairing may not materialize, leaving fans and organizers on edge.
The US Open’s mixed doubles tournament, reimagined as a two-day spectacle during Fan Week with a $1 million prize for the winners, has drawn an unprecedented lineup of tennis elite. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner teams with Emma Navarro, Aryna Sabalenka pairs with Grigor Dimitrov, and Novak Djokovic joins forces with Olga Danilovic. The event’s new format, featuring sets to four games, sudden-death deuces, and a 10-point tiebreak instead of a third set, aims to attract top singles players without clashing with their Grand Slam campaigns. Raducanu and Alcaraz, both former US Open singles champions, were among the most anticipated pairings, their off-court friendship fueling excitement. “I was thinking it couldn’t be better than Emma,” Alcaraz said, revealing he made a “special request” to partner with the British star. Raducanu, initially hesitant, joked, “Gotta keep ’em on their toes,” before confirming her commitment after consulting her team.
Yet, doubts have emerged following a wave of withdrawals. Jack Draper, Britain’s No. 1 male player, and Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng were among the first to pull out, citing an arm injury for Draper that also forced him to skip the Toronto and Cincinnati Masters. “After Wimbledon, I picked up an injury in my left arm, nothing serious, but I have to make sure it recovers fully,” Draper explained on social media. His decision not to partner with Raducanu, opting instead for Zheng, had already disappointed fans hoping for an all-British duo. Draper, however, was gracious, noting, “A wise person once told me you should find the best partner, and that’s what she did in Alcaraz. I don’t blame her at all for that.” His withdrawal, coupled with Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa’s exit amid rumors of a personal split, has raised concerns that Raducanu and Alcaraz might follow suit to focus on their singles campaigns.
Alcaraz’s recent withdrawal from the Canadian Open, citing “small muscle issues” after a grueling Wimbledon final loss to Djokovic, has intensified speculation. “I need to recover physically and mentally for what comes next,” the world No. 2 said, hinting at a cautious approach ahead of the US Open. Raducanu, ranked No. 46, faces her own challenges, with a history of back issues and a first-round exit at the 2024 US Open. Her decision to abandon Andy Murray for mixed doubles at Wimbledon 2024 to prioritize singles adds weight to fears she might do the same in New York, especially as their combined rankings may require a wildcard for entry. “She’s going to be the boss,” Alcaraz quipped, suggesting Raducanu will dictate their strategy, but her commitment remains uncertain.
The pair’s chemistry, built on a friendship dating back to their junior days in 2021, has been a focal point. Raducanu, who gushed about Alcaraz’s “amazing values” and “positive light,” was spotted cheering him at Queen’s Club, where he won his second title in June 2025. Their playful dynamic, including a joint Evian event at Wimbledon, has fueled romance rumors, which Raducanu firmly dismissed: “We’re just good friends.” Despite the speculation, their on-court potential is undeniable, with Alcaraz’s doubles prowess—honed alongside Rafael Nadal at the 2024 Olympics—complementing Raducanu’s aggressive baseline game. “I’m super excited about it. It’s going to be really, really fun,” Alcaraz enthused, but the looming threat of withdrawal casts a shadow over their prospects.
The US Open’s bold experiment risks losing its shine if more stars opt out. With Draper sidelined and Alcaraz nursing injuries, the tennis community awaits confirmation of Raducanu’s decision. Her focus on reclaiming the form that won her the 2021 US Open title may take precedence, especially after a promising Wimbledon run ended by Sabalenka. As the August 19 start date nears, the “Alcaranu” dream hangs in the balance, leaving fans hoping the duo can overcome the odds and deliver a spectacle worthy of their star power.
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