Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2, delivered a moment of pure brilliance during the 2025 US Open mixed doubles first-round match on August 19, leaving his partner Emma Raducanu and the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd in awe with an audacious around-the-net forehand winner. Paired with the 2021 US Open champion in the high-profile $1 million event, Alcaraz faced top seeds Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper alongside Raducanu in a thrilling clash. Despite a 4-2, 4-2 defeat, Alcaraz’s “crazy” point, executed just hours after his Cincinnati Open triumph, stole the spotlight, showcasing his electrifying speed and shot-making prowess (tennis.com, www.express.co.uk).
A Moment of Magic
The highlight unfolded in the second set during Pegula’s service game at 40-0. Draper’s sharp backhand cross-court shot drew Raducanu to the net, forcing her to duck and seemingly concede the point. Alcaraz, however, sprinted from behind, chasing down the ball and firing a forehand around the net post for a jaw-dropping winner. Raducanu, hands on head, turned to Alcaraz with a wide grin, visibly stunned (@TennisTV). Commentator Nick Lester remarked, “I’m fairly certain Raducanu had given up on the point before her partner came to the rescue,” while Laura Robson added, “She was walking to the chair. That is ridiculous!” (tennis.com).
A Challenging Match
The “Alcaranu” duo struggled early, with Alcaraz broken in his opening service game, leading to a 4-2 first-set loss (www.sportskeeda.com). Despite a stronger start in the second set, with Raducanu holding for a 1-0 lead, Pegula and Draper’s synergy in the fast-four format proved decisive, securing a break to win in 51 minutes (www.tennisworldusa.org). Alcaraz’s heroics couldn’t overturn the deficit, as Pegula held firm and Draper sealed the match with a forehand after Raducanu saved three match points (www.express.co.uk). Alcaraz’s effort was remarkable given his arrival in New York at 1 a.m. after defeating Jannik Sinner in Cincinnati (tennis.com).
Fan Frenzy and Player Reactions
The crowd erupted, and even Pegula laughed at Alcaraz’s audacious shot (tennis.com). Fans on X were electrified, with one post exclaiming, “Carlos Alcaraz hits an AROUND THE NET POST shot… Big smile from Emma!” (@TheTennisLetter, August 19, 2025). Raducanu, reflecting on the loss, said, “It was fun, but we wanted to win” (@BBCSport). The moment echoed the flair of athletes like Luke Littler in darts or Alex de Minaur’s dynamic play. Despite dating rumors, which both dismissed as “just friends,” their chemistry captivated fans (www.dailymail.co.uk). As they shift to singles starting August 24, Alcaraz’s unforgettable point will linger as a highlight of the controversial mixed doubles event.
