Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz, the high-profile “Alcaranu” duo, have been handed a daunting first-round matchup in the 2025 US Open mixed doubles event, set for August 19-20 during Fan Week. The former US Open singles champions, granted a wildcard for the revamped $1 million tournament, will face top seeds Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper in their opening match on Tuesday, August 19, at Arthur Ashe Stadium, scheduled as the fourth match of the day (web:1, web:2). This blockbuster clash, announced on August 17, 2025, pits the star-studded pair against a formidable team with Pegula’s extensive doubles experience and Draper’s rising singles prowess.
Pegula, a doubles world No. 1 in 2023 and 2023 US Open mixed doubles finalist, brings a wealth of expertise, having won seven doubles titles, while Draper, ranked No. 5 in singles but 204th in doubles, adds powerful serving (web:3). The draw, described as “one of the toughest possible” by Tennis World USA, places significant pressure on Raducanu and Alcaraz, who are already navigating challenges (web:1). Raducanu withdrew from the US Open singles due to ongoing wrist and ankle injuries, casting doubt on her participation, while Alcaraz faces fatigue concerns after reaching the Cincinnati Open final on August 18, less than 24 hours before the mixed doubles begins (web:11, web:14).
Should they advance, Raducanu and Alcaraz could face either Olga Danilovic and Novak Djokovic or Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals, further intensifying their path (web:1, post:5). Alcaraz, who initiated the partnership, called Raducanu “the boss,” expressing excitement despite the tough draw (web:1, web:8). Raducanu, meanwhile, admitted to being “scared” of facing powerful male serves like Ben Shelton’s, highlighting the event’s unique challenges (web:11). The format—sets to four games, no-ad scoring, and a 10-point tiebreak—adds unpredictability to their matchup (web:9).
The draw has sparked buzz on X, with one post noting, “Alcaraz and Raducanu vs. Pegula/Draper in R1? That’s a popcorn match!” (@RaducanuNews, August 17, 2025) (post:1). However, Martina Navratilova’s criticism of the event as “a mockery” underscores its controversial nature (web:15). The situation mirrors strategic choices by athletes like Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin prioritizing the Davis Cup or Luke Littler managing his schedule. With their participation uncertain, the nightmare draw tests Raducanu and Alcaraz’s resilience in this star-studded spectacle.
