Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has been cautioned about her chances in the upcoming US Open mixed doubles event, where she will team up with World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz. Despite the excitement surrounding their blockbuster partnership, American star Taylor Fritz, paired with Elena Rybakina, issued a warning, asserting that he and Rybakina are the favorites to win the revamped, two-day mixed doubles tournament starting August 19, 2025. Fritz, fresh off a third-round win in Cincinnati, told Tennis Channel, “I really do think we’re one of the favourites. We have a mixed doubles title already, and I thought we played great there.”
#### Context of the Warning
Raducanu, ranked No. 39, is coming off a competitive but draining third-round loss to Aryna Sabalenka at the Cincinnati Open on August 11, 2025, falling 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5) in a three-hour, nine-minute epic. Despite the defeat, she showed progress, winning her first career set against Sabalenka and pushing the World No. 1 to the brink. Now, Raducanu is set to join forces with Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam champion, in a star-studded mixed doubles event at Flushing Meadows, announced two months ago, which has generated significant buzz.
Fritz’s warning stems from his and Rybakina’s proven chemistry, having won a mixed doubles exhibition title at Indian Wells earlier in 2025. The American, ranked ATP No. 4, considers himself a “mixed doubles specialist,” citing his undefeated record in mixed matches at the United Cup and two Indian Wells titles. He emphasized the challenge for less-experienced doubles players like Raducanu, stating, “I’d love to play mixed doubles regularly if it didn’t overlap with singles, but being able to play it before the week starts is amazing.”
#### Raducanu’s Doubles Experience
Raducanu’s doubles experience is limited, with only one professional doubles match before 2025—a loss alongside Clara Tauson at the 2022 Washington Open. However, she has recently gained valuable reps, partnering with Katie Boulter at Queen’s (reaching the quarter-finals) and with Elena Rybakina in Washington, where they upset the No. 4 seeds before retiring in the semi-finals due to Raducanu’s headache. This experience with Rybakina could provide tactical insights against Fritz’s team, but her relative inexperience compared to Fritz and Rybakina’s synergy puts her at a disadvantage, as Fritz’s warning suggests.
#### Alcaraz and Raducanu’s Chemistry
The Raducanu-Alcaraz partnership has been a talking point since its announcement, fueled by their long-standing friendship that began at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2021. Alcaraz, who initiated the pairing, called Raducanu “the boss” of their team, expressing excitement: “I’m super excited about it. I think it’s going to be great.” Raducanu, who initially hesitated before agreeing, highlighted their genuine connection, saying, “We have a good relationship still… those connections from when we were young mean a lot.” Their shared endorsement with Evian, announced in June 2025, has also fueled speculation about off-court chemistry, though Raducanu laughed off romance rumors, insisting they’re “just friends.”
#### Challenges and Expectations
Despite their star power, Raducanu and Alcaraz face a tough field in the US Open’s mixed doubles, with Fritz and Rybakina’s prior success making them formidable opponents. Posts on X, such as @DExpress_Sport, amplified Fritz’s warning, noting the “fired warning” to Raducanu. Raducanu’s recent Cincinnati performance, where she clashed with the umpire over a crying child’s disruption, showed her mental resilience but also her vulnerability under pressure. The mixed doubles format, with first and second rounds on August 19 and semi-finals and finals the next day, demands quick adaptation, which could test Raducanu’s limited doubles experience.
#### Looking Ahead
Raducanu remains optimistic, viewing the partnership as a chance to gain momentum before the US Open singles, where she aims to build on her 2021 triumph. Her recent form, including a strong showing against Sabalenka, suggests she’s regaining confidence under new coach Francis Roig. Alcaraz, coming off a challenging Cincinnati win over Damir Dzumhur, will bring firepower, but their success hinges on meshing their singles-heavy styles in doubles. Fritz’s warning serves as a reminder of the challenge, but Raducanu’s grit and Alcaraz’s dynamism could make them a wildcard threat. For more details, check sources like Express.co.uk or LetsPlayTennis.co.uk. If you have a specific article or further context, share it, and I can refine the response!
