Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has arrived in New York to compete in a controversial new mixed doubles event at the 2025 US Open, admitting to feeling “scared” about facing powerful male serves. The 22-year-old British star, ranked No. 33, will partner with world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in the high-profile tournament, set for August 19-20 during Fan Week, offering a $1 million prize. The event, featuring a fast-paced format with sets to four games and no-ad scoring, has drawn criticism from tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who called it “a mockery” and “an exhibition, not a proper event” (www.express.co.uk, August 17, 2025).
Raducanu’s candid admission came during a press conference, where she expressed apprehension about returning serves from players like Ben Shelton, known for his 150mph serves, and Reilly Opelka, whom she humorously described as “serving from a stepladder” (www.express.co.uk). “I think I’m most scared to play certain shots,” she said, laughing. “Ben Shelton’s serve, that scares me… It’s very difficult to return the guys’ serves” (www.youtube.com). Despite her nerves, Raducanu is excited for the “unique opportunity” to compete alongside Alcaraz, who made a “special request” to team up, jokingly calling her “the boss” (www.ohsports.com).
The event, part of a three-week US Open expansion, has attracted top players like Novak Djokovic with Olga Danilovic and Venus Williams with Opelka, but also sparked debate due to its entertainment-driven format. Raducanu’s participation marks her return to Flushing Meadows’ center stage, where she hasn’t won a singles match since her 2021 title. Her recent withdrawal from the US Open singles due to ongoing wrist and ankle injuries adds pressure to perform in this high-stakes doubles event (www.express.co.uk).
Raducanu’s comments reflect her resilience amid challenges, similar to Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin’s focus on the Davis Cup or Coco Gauff navigating off-court stressors. Fans on X have mixed reactions, with one post praising her honesty: “Emma admitting she’s scared of Shelton’s serve is so real, but she’s gonna shine with Alcaraz” (@TennisFan123, August 17, 2025). Another noted, “This mixed doubles thing sounds fun but Navratilova’s right, it’s more show than sport” (@SportsVibes, August 17, 2025). As Raducanu prepares to face her fears, her partnership with Alcaraz, though at risk due to his Cincinnati Open fatigue, promises to be a highlight of the US Open’s bold new chapter.
