Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has received a promising indication that her mixed doubles partnership with Carlos Alcaraz at the 2025 US Open may proceed, despite significant risks. The British star, ranked No. 33, withdrew from the US Open singles on August 15, 2025, due to ongoing wrist and ankle injuries, casting uncertainty over her participation in the $1 million mixed doubles event set for August 19-20 during Fan Week (web:2). However, a positive signal emerged as Alcaraz’s primary coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, is traveling to New York to support the Spaniard for their first-round match against top seeds Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper, suggesting team confidence in his commitment (web:2).
The “Alcaranu” pairing faces a tough draw and logistical challenges. Alcaraz, ranked world No. 2, reached the Cincinnati Open final on August 18, 2025, leaving less than 24 hours to travel and prepare for the mixed doubles, scheduled to start at 2 p.m. on Tuesday (web:2, web:18). The tight turnaround, exacerbated by Cincinnati’s grueling conditions and Alcaraz’s recent defiance of an umpire over an Evian bottle logo, raises concerns about his fatigue (web:8). Raducanu, already in New York after her Cincinnati loss to Aryna Sabalenka, expressed excitement but admitted to being “scared” of facing powerful serves like Ben Shelton’s (web:5, web:11).
The event’s controversial format, criticized by Martina Navratilova as “a mockery” (web:6), and other withdrawals, like Paula Badosa’s, add pressure (web:6). Despite these hurdles, Ferrero’s travel plans, reported by Marca, signal Alcaraz’s intent to compete, potentially bolstering Raducanu’s hopes (web:2). Fans on X are optimistic yet cautious, with one post stating, “Ferrero heading to NY is a good sign for Alcaraz-Raducanu, but that schedule’s brutal” (@RaducanuNews, August 18, 2025) (post:1). The situation mirrors strategic choices by athletes like Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin, prioritizing the Davis Cup, or Luke Littler managing his schedule. While the partnership remains at risk, Ferrero’s involvement offers Raducanu a glimmer of hope for the high-profile event.
