Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz, both former US Open singles champions, have sparked excitement by entering the 2025 US Open mixed doubles event together, as confirmed by the preliminary entry list released on June 17, 2025, per @HowardFendrich and @ESPN690Jax on X. The pairing fulfills Alcaraz’s long-standing wish, first expressed in January 2024, when he said, “I still want to play mixed doubles with her,” noting Raducanu’s return from surgeries was “a pleasure to watch,” per @limuzinaxd. Raducanu, who reached the Billie Jean King Cup final in 2024, reportedly told Alcaraz she was “thinking about it,” fueling anticipation, per Yardbarker. Their chemistry, often speculated about due to Alcaraz’s frequent Instagram likes and Raducanu’s presence at his 2024 Wimbledon final, adds intrigue, though both have clarified they’re “just friends,” per GB News.
Jack Draper’s High-Profile Partner
Meanwhile, British No. 1 Jack Draper, ranked world No. 5, has secured a high-profile mixed doubles partner in Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open women’s singles champion, per Tennis.com. Draper, who reached the 2024 US Open final (losing to Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-4, 6-2), and Gauff, ranked WTA No. 2, aim to leverage their strong friendship and baseline-heavy games, per ATP Tour. Draper previously praised Gauff’s “incredible athleticism,” saying, “She’s a role model for me,” after their 2023 Miami Open practice session, per EssentiallySports. Their pairing is seen as a strategic move to boost British and American interest, with X posts like @TennisFanatic88 noting, “Draper-Gauff could steal the show,” per @TennisFanatic88.
Context and Other Notable Entries
The US Open mixed doubles field also features dynamic pairs like Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios, Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe, and Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, per @HowardFendrich. Raducanu, ranked No. 36, and Alcaraz, ATP No. 2, bring youthful energy, with Raducanu drawing inspiration from Alcaraz’s “certain shots” during her 2024 Wimbledon run, per The Mirror. Draper’s bond with Raducanu, rooted in junior tournaments like the Orange Bowl, remains platonic, despite past dating rumors, per Wales Online. The US Open, starting August 25, 2025, promises a thrilling mixed doubles showcase, with these pairings highlighting tennis’ next generation.
