On June 17, 2025, Carlos Alcaraz shared how his blockbuster mixed doubles partnership with Emma Raducanu for the 2025 US Open came to fruition, admitting he made a “special request” to team up with the British No. 1. Speaking after his 6-4, 7-6(4) first-round win over Adam Walton at Queen’s Club, Alcaraz said, “The tournament told us about the mixed tournament. I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma. I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me,” per Express. He humorously noted Raducanu’s hesitation, saying, “She took a while,” but clarified, “Not that much, but she had to think a little bit,” per The Guardian.
Dynamic Duo and Alcaraz’s Deference
Alcaraz, the ATP No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion, playfully declared Raducanu, ranked WTA No. 36, would be “the boss” on court, emphasizing their long-standing friendship. “I’ve known Emma since a really long time ago, so we know each other. I have a really good relationship with her,” he said, per Daily Mail. The pairing, dubbed “Alcaranu” by fans, marks Raducanu’s first professional mixed doubles outing, following her controversial withdrawal from a 2024 Wimbledon mixed doubles match with Andy Murray due to wrist stiffness, per The Telegraph. Alcaraz’s excitement was palpable, calling the US Open’s revamped format “an amazing idea,” per @TennisChannel.
US Open’s Star-Studded Event
The US Open’s mixed doubles, set for August 19–20 during Fan Week, features a $1 million prize pot and a “fast-four” format (two sets of four games, tie-break at 3-3), designed to attract top players like Alcaraz and Raducanu, per Sports Illustrated. Other notable pairs include Jannik Sinner with Emma Navarro, Aryna Sabalenka with Grigor Dimitrov, and Naomi Osaka with Nick Kyrgios, per Sky Sports. However, Alcaraz and Raducanu’s qualification isn’t guaranteed, as only the top eight teams by combined singles ranking, plus eight wildcards, will make the 16-team draw by July 28, per South Wales Guardian.
Context and Fan Buzz
Alcaraz’s interest in partnering with Raducanu dates back to January 2024, when he praised her post-surgery comeback, saying, “Tennis needs her, she’s a pleasure to watch,” and expressed his desire to play mixed doubles, per @limuzinaxd. Raducanu, who drew inspiration from Alcaraz’s shots during her 2024 Wimbledon run, attended his 2024 Wimbledon final, sparking dating rumors both denied, per Wales Online. Jack Draper, who paired with Qinwen Zheng, supported Raducanu’s choice, saying, “She chose the best partner,” per Yahoo Sports.
