The tennis world is abuzz with anticipation for the 2025 US Open mixed doubles tournament, set to kick off on August 19 in New York with a star-studded lineup. Among the most electrifying pairings is Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, two Grand Slam champions whose friendship and on-court chemistry have captivated fans. However, a leading coach has cast doubt on whether this blockbuster duo will take the court at Flushing Meadows, predicting potential withdrawals from the revamped event. As the tennis community grapples with the possibility, the stakes are high for Alcaraz, Raducanu, and the tournament’s bold new format.
The US Open’s mixed doubles has been reimagined for 2025 as a standalone event held during Fan Week, before the singles draw begins on August 24. With a $1 million prize purse—an $800,000 increase from 2024—and a condensed format featuring 16 teams, short four-game sets, sudden-death deuces, and a 10-point tiebreak instead of a third set, the tournament aims to showcase top singles stars like Alcaraz, Raducanu, Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Iga Swiatek. “It shows that the players are behind what we are trying to do, and we know that the fans will love it,” said USTA chief executive Lew Sherr, highlighting the event’s appeal. The entry list boasts 10 of the top 11 men and women in the ATP and WTA rankings, including pairings like Sinner with Emma Navarro and Djokovic with Olga Danilovic, making it the most star-studded mixed doubles event in decades.
Alcaraz, the world No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion, personally requested Raducanu as his partner, a decision that has fueled excitement and speculation. “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma,” he said after a Queen’s Club win, revealing he made a “special request” through their agents. Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, took time to consult her team before agreeing, joking, “Gotta keep them on their toes!” She expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting, “I was very surprised and honored and obviously very excited.” Their friendship, forged during their breakout 2021 Wimbledon and US Open runs, adds a layer of authenticity to their pairing. “I’ve prioritized my friendship with Carlos. We’re close, and he’s a positive light to be around,” Raducanu shared, emphasizing their genuine connection.
Yet, Julian Cash’s coach, a prominent figure in British tennis, has raised concerns about the event’s viability, suggesting that high-profile players like Alcaraz and Raducanu may withdraw. The coach argued that the tournament, with its exhibition-like feel and hefty prize money, shouldn’t be considered a true Grand Slam title, despite the USTA’s insistence that it’s an “official Grand Slam tournament.” The timing—starting less than 24 hours after the Cincinnati Open’s finals on August 18—poses a logistical challenge, especially for players like Alcaraz, who are favored to go deep in singles. Raducanu’s recurring back spasms, which forced her withdrawal from the Berlin Open in June, add further uncertainty. “I’m still managing it,” she said of her injury, noting “good days and bad days.” Her cautious approach, coupled with a past withdrawal from a 2024 Wimbledon mixed doubles pairing with Andy Murray, has fueled speculation that she might prioritize singles to avoid risking her health.
The coach’s prediction isn’t baseless. The new format, while attracting stars, has drawn criticism from doubles specialists like Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who called it a “profound injustice” for sidelining traditional doubles players. Their inclusion via wildcard, alongside other top teams, raises the stakes: if specialists win, it could undermine the USTA’s focus on singles stars. “If you don’t want a team to win a competition, you shouldn’t invite them in the first place,” one analyst noted, pointing to the risk of withdrawals if players perceive the event as less prestigious. Alcaraz’s grueling schedule, including a five-set Wimbledon thriller and a French Open title defense, could also prompt him to conserve energy for singles, where he’s a top contender.
Despite these concerns, Alcaraz and Raducanu’s chemistry remains a draw. Alcaraz playfully called Raducanu “the boss,” saying, “I’m just gonna serve and pull myself away and let her play. She will cover a lot of the court.” Raducanu, in turn, teased, “I would like to know how much of the court he can cover in New York?!” Their banter, seen in a viral US Open interview, has won over fans, with one commenting, “Love this mutual admiration between young champs.” Off the court, their friendship has sparked romance rumors, which Raducanu dismissed, saying, “We’re just good friends,” though their matching Wimbledon shirts and shared Evian ambassador event fueled speculation.
With the entry list open until July 28, the tennis world awaits confirmation of Alcaraz and Raducanu’s participation. Their potential absence would be a blow to the USTA’s vision, but their singles campaigns—Raducanu’s resurgence to No. 45 and Alcaraz’s 18-match win streak—take precedence. As fans dream of “Alcaranu” lifting the trophy on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the coach’s warning looms large: will the star duo prioritize glory or caution? Only time will tell.
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