The highly anticipated mixed doubles partnership between Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, dubbed “Alcaranu” by fans, at the 2025 US Open is at risk due to scheduling conflicts and physical demands. The duo, both former US Open singles champions, received a wildcard for the revamped mixed doubles event, set for August 19-20, 2025, during Fan Week at Flushing Meadows. However, Alcaraz’s deep run at the Cincinnati Open, where he faces Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals on August 15, 2025, threatens their participation.
The mixed doubles event, featuring a $1 million prize and a fast-paced format with sets to four games and no-ad scoring, starts less than 20 hours after the Cincinnati Open men’s final, scheduled for August 18. Alcaraz, ranked world No. 2, has a history of grueling matches, including epic battles with Jannik Sinner at the French Open and Wimbledon in 2025. Fatigue concerns, compounded by searing temperatures and a backlog of matches in Cincinnati due to Tuesday’s storms, raise doubts about his availability. Sinner, paired with Emma Navarro, faces similar challenges, having also cited exhaustion post-Wimbledon.
Raducanu, who lost to Aryna Sabalenka in Cincinnati’s third round (7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5)), is already out of the tournament, giving her more recovery time. However, Alcaraz’s potential absence could derail their partnership, which has generated significant buzz. The pair, who share a friendship since 2021 and trained together during Wimbledon 2025, were expected to bring star power to the event. Alcaraz initiated the collaboration, texting Raducanu to join him, to which she eventually agreed after consulting her team, jokingly noting she kept him “on his toes” (www.profootballnetwork.com).
Former British player Barry Fulcher expressed skepticism about big-name participation, telling Tennis 365, “I will be fascinated to see how many of those 16 pairings turn up and play.” The event’s timing, clashing with players’ US Open singles preparations, has already led to withdrawals, such as Paula Badosa and Jack Draper. Raducanu, under new coach Francis Roig, is focusing on her singles campaign, aiming to reclaim her 2021 US Open form, but the mixed doubles offered a chance to sharpen her match play.
The situation mirrors strategic decisions in other sports, like Luke Littler skipping the PDC World Youth Championship to manage his schedule, or Aryna Sabalenka withdrawing from the same mixed doubles event due to her partner’s hospitalization. If Alcaraz pulls out, Raducanu may face a last-minute partner switch or withdrawal, potentially impacting her momentum. As of August 15, 2025, no official decision has been confirmed, but the tight schedule and physical toll on Alcaraz cast significant doubt on the “Alcaranu” dream team.
