As the tennis world gears up for the 2025 US Open, the spotlight shines brightly on the dynamic duo of Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz, affectionately dubbed ‘Alcaranu’ by fans. The British No. 1 and the Spanish superstar, both former US Open singles champions, are set to ignite the courts in New York with their highly anticipated mixed doubles partnership. While Raducanu soaks up the sun on a well-deserved getaway, Alcaraz hones his skills in Cincinnati, their contrasting preparations only fueling the buzz around their upcoming collaboration on August 19 and 20, 2025.
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open women’s champion, recently traded the intensity of the tennis court for the serene shores of Martha’s Vineyard. The 22-year-old shared glimpses of her impromptu 36-hour retreat on Instagram, captioning her post with a playful, “Ted’s on the vineyard — heard it here first. Spontaneous 36h New England summer fun time w friends in MA.” The idyllic Massachusetts island, known for its sandy beaches and charming harbors, offered the perfect backdrop for Raducanu to recharge after a third-round loss to Amanda Anisimova in Montreal. Her sun-soaked holiday snaps, filled with smiles and scenic views, captured her embracing a rare moment of calm before the storm of the North American hard-court season. Fans flooded social media with admiration, with one commenting, “Emma’s living her best life before she teams up with Carlos—iconic!”
Meanwhile, Alcaraz, the world No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion, is all business in Cincinnati, fine-tuning his game for the Cincinnati Open, a key warm-up event for the US Open. The 22-year-old Spaniard, fresh off back-to-back Roland Garros and Wimbledon titles in 2025, revealed his excitement for the mixed doubles event, which he initiated by approaching Raducanu through their agents. “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma,” he said after a victory at Queen’s Club earlier this year, where Raducanu was spotted cheering him on during his semi-final win over Roberto Bautista Agut. Her presence at the match, combined with their joint appearance in an Evian advertisement, sparked widespread speculation about their chemistry, both on and off the court. Alcaraz, however, emphasized their long-standing friendship, noting, “I’ve known Emma for a really long time and I have a really good relationship with her. We will try to win. But obviously it’s going to be really, really fun.”
The US Open’s revamped mixed doubles tournament, scheduled for August 19 and 20, promises to be a star-studded spectacle, with a $1 million prize pot for the winners. The event features a streamlined format with best-of-three sets up to four games, a sudden-death deuce, and a 10-point tiebreak in lieu of a third set. Raducanu and Alcaraz, granted a wildcard entry, join other high-profile pairs like Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro, and Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud. The duo’s nickname, ‘Alcaranu,’ has taken social media by storm, with fans eagerly awaiting their on-court synergy. Raducanu, reflecting on their partnership, praised Alcaraz’s creativity: “We both play our best I think when we’re in a good creative way, we’re enjoying it. You see us smile on the court and have fun.” She also recalled their shared journey during the 2021 US Open, where Alcaraz’s third-round victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas inspired her own historic run. “I would see him win and then I would have motivation to win and get myself into that position too,” she shared.
Despite their star power, Raducanu and Alcaraz face challenges. The mixed doubles event has stirred controversy, with last year’s champions, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, calling the new format a “pseudo-exhibition focused only on entertainment and show.” Additionally, both players have had rocky moments this season—Raducanu skipped the Olympics and struggled with limited match play, while Alcaraz withdrew from the Canadian Open due to a muscle injury. Yet, their wildcard entry ensures their place in the 16-team draw, and their shared history and mutual respect promise an electrifying performance. “She’s going to be the boss,” Alcaraz quipped, hinting at Raducanu’s leadership in their partnership.
As Raducanu basks in the glow of her coastal escape and Alcaraz sharpens his game, the tennis world buzzes with anticipation for ‘Alcaranu.’ Their friendship, forged during their breakout 2021 US Open runs, adds a layer of authenticity to their partnership, making it a highlight of the tournament’s Fan Week. Whether they’re volleying for the title or simply enjoying the court, Raducanu and Alcaraz are poised to deliver a memorable show, proving that their chemistry—both as friends and competitors—could be the real game-changer in New York.
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