The highly anticipated mixed doubles pairing of Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz for the 2025 US Open has sparked excitement but also raised significant doubts about its feasibility. Announced as part of a revamped $1 million mixed doubles event during Fan Week (August 19-20), the British No. 1 and the Spanish world No. 2 were seen as a blockbuster combination, drawing attention with their shared US Open singles titles (2021 and 2022, respectively). However, respected coach Barry Fulcher has expressed skepticism, predicting potential withdrawals due to the pair’s limited doubles experience and conflicting schedules.
Fulcher, who recently celebrated coaching Julian Cash to the Wimbledon doubles title, questioned the event’s status as a Grand Slam showcase, arguing it prioritizes star power over competitive integrity. He noted that established doubles players like Cash and Lloyd Glasspool were overlooked for this lucrative exhibition, suggesting Alcaraz and Raducanu might prioritize singles preparation over the mixed event. Raducanu’s recent back issues, which forced her withdrawal from the Berlin Open, and Alcaraz’s focus on defending his Wimbledon crown—lost to Jannik Sinner on July 13—fuel these concerns. Their on-court chemistry remains untested, with Raducanu admitting to novice struggles in doubles and Alcaraz’s experience limited to Olympic and Davis Cup stints with Rafael Nadal.
Adding to the uncertainty, Raducanu’s injury history and Alcaraz’s packed singles schedule raise questions about commitment. Social sentiment on platforms like X reflects mixed views, with some fans dismissing their pairing as a marketing ploy by their management, while others highlight their off-court friendship—seen during Alcaraz’s Queen’s Club win—as a potential strength. Despite their playful banter about Raducanu being “the boss,” doubts linger about whether this dream team will materialize, with the US Open draw set for July 28 offering clarity on their participation
