Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz, both 22-year-old Grand Slam champions, are set to partner in the revamped mixed doubles event at the 2025 US Open, scheduled for August 19-20. The announcement, confirmed in late July 2025, has sparked excitement among fans, fueled by speculation about a possible romantic connection between the British No. 1 and the world No. 2. However, Raducanu has firmly dismissed these rumors, emphasizing their longstanding friendship that began during their breakout runs at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2021. “We’re just good friends,” she said with a smile at a Wimbledon press conference, laughing as the moderator swiftly ended the session.
The partnership, dubbed “Alcaranu” by fans, was initiated by Alcaraz, who revealed he made a “special request” to team up with Raducanu at Queen’s Club in June 2025. “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma,” he said, noting she’d be “the boss” on court. Raducanu playfully admitted to keeping him waiting before agreeing, saying, “Gotta keep them on their toes!” but clarified she consulted her team before confirming. Their bond, rooted in shared experiences as young stars, adds depth to their collaboration. Raducanu values these early connections, stating, “You revert back to people you knew from a young age because that’s a real genuine connection.”
The US Open’s mixed doubles event, now offering a $1 million prize and featuring a star-studded field including Jannik Sinner with Emma Navarro and Novak Djokovic with Olga Danilovic, has drawn attention for its new format—sets to four games, sudden-death deuce, and a 10-point tie-break instead of a third set. Despite Alcaraz’s enthusiasm, the event faced criticism from players like Kristina Mladenovic, who called it a “gigantic spectacle” undermining the Grand Slam’s doubles tradition.
Concerns arose when Alcaraz withdrew from the Canadian Open due to a muscle injury, casting doubt on their participation, but recent confirmations have eased fears. Raducanu, who has shown improved form in 2025 with wins over top-10 players like Jessica Pegula and a Wimbledon third-round appearance, practiced with Alcaraz before Wimbledon, focusing on volleys for New York.
While tabloids like The Sun fueled romance rumors after Raducanu watched Alcaraz at Queen’s Club and their hotel sightings, both players have focused on their professional synergy. Alcaraz, a five-time Grand Slam winner, praised their “really good relationship,” while Raducanu admired his ability to produce “magic” shots. Their partnership promises to blend Raducanu’s resilience and Alcaraz’s flair, making them a formidable and fan-favorite duo at the US Open.
