The 2025 US Open is set to ignite Flushing Meadows with a revamped mixed doubles championship, scheduled for August 19-20, that promises to be a spectacle of tennis brilliance. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has unveiled 14 of the 16 confirmed teams, featuring a dazzling array of Grand Slam champions, world No. 1s, and rising stars. Headlining the field are the electrifying wildcard pairing of Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, alongside the intriguing direct-entry duo of Paula Badosa and Jack Draper. With a $1 million prize for the winners and a fast-paced, fan-friendly format, this standalone event, held before the main singles draw begins on August 24, is poised to captivate tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
Carlos Alcaraz, the five-time Grand Slam champion and world No. 2, personally sought out Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open women’s singles winner, to form what fans have dubbed “Alcaranu.” “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if unless it was with Emma. I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me. I made that special request,” Alcaraz shared, revealing that Raducanu took time to consider before agreeing. “She took a while. Not much, but she had to think a bit. She’s going to be the boss,” he added with a laugh, hinting at their dynamic chemistry. The pair, both endorsed by US Open sponsor Evian, brings a combined six major titles to the court, making them a formidable wildcard entry. Their partnership, born from a long-standing friendship, promises not only competitive firepower but also a fun, engaging presence, as Alcaraz noted, “We will try to win. But obviously it’s going to be really, really fun.”
Equally compelling is the pairing of Paula Badosa and Jack Draper, a last-minute adjustment that has sparked intrigue. Initially slated to play with Stefanos Tsitsipas, Badosa switched partners after her reported split with the Greek star, while Draper replaced Zheng Qinwen, who withdrew due to elbow surgery. “A wise person once told me you should find the best partner, and that’s what she did in Alcaraz,” Draper said, praising Raducanu’s choice while expressing enthusiasm for his own partnership with Badosa. The Brit, ranked No. 6, and Badosa, a former world No. 2, secured direct entry based on their combined singles rankings, adding a layer of unpredictability to the draw. Their unexpected alliance, formed amid personal and professional shifts, has fans buzzing about their potential to challenge the field.
The event’s star power extends beyond these headliners. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, fresh off his Wimbledon 2025 triumph, teams up with American Emma Navarro, the world No. 9, forming the highest-ranked direct-entry pair. Iga Swiatek, the women’s Wimbledon champion, joins forces with Casper Ruud, a two-time US Open finalist, while Olympic champions Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev form a “golden” duo. Novak Djokovic, with 24 Grand Slam titles, partners with fellow Serbian Olga Danilovic, and American legends Venus Williams and Reilly Opelka add a nostalgic flair as a wildcard team. Other notable pairs include Jessica Pegula and Tommy Paul, Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, and defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who controversially labeled the new format a “pseudo-exhibition focused only on entertainment and show” but still secured a wildcard.
The USTA’s bold overhaul moves the mixed doubles to the week before the singles, with matches played on Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadiums. The format features best-of-three sets to four games, no-ad scoring, tiebreakers at 4-4, and a 10-point match tiebreak instead of a third set, with the final extending to six-game sets. This shift, coupled with a $1 million prize, aims to attract top singles players, though it’s drawn criticism from doubles specialists like Errani and Vavassori for sidelining traditionalists. Two wildcard teams remain unannounced, with speculation around pairs like Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios, though Kyrgios’s fitness remains uncertain.
The field boasts nine Grand Slam singles champions and eight men and six women in the top 10 singles rankings, ensuring high-octane competition. “I think it’s all exciting,” said Andy Murray’s former coach Miles Maclagan, reflecting the sentiment of many. With Alcaraz and Raducanu’s star power and Badosa and Draper’s fresh dynamic, the 2025 US Open mixed doubles is set to deliver thrilling tennis and unforgettable moments, redefining the event’s place in Grand Slam history.
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