Emma Raducanu to ditch Carlos Alcaraz at US Open, Paula Badosa hires boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas’ ex-coach? | 5 bold predictions for tennis in August 2025

1. Emma Raducanu Withdraws from US Open Mixed Doubles with Carlos Alcaraz

Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz, the “Alcaranu” duo, have generated buzz for their wildcard entry into the 2025 US Open mixed doubles event (August 19-20). However, Raducanu may pull out due to scheduling conflicts and physical concerns. With the Cincinnati Open finals on August 18, Raducanu, who reached the 2025 Montreal third round, could face a tight turnaround if she advances deep in Cincinnati. Her history of wrist and ankle injuries, coupled with a focus on singles to climb from her No. 33 ranking toward the top 10, makes withdrawal likely. A Tennis365 report highlighted doubts about high-profile pairs, noting the risk of fatigue before the US Open singles (August 24-September 7). Raducanu may prioritize her singles campaign, potentially partnering with Jack Draper instead if she competes.

2. Paula Badosa Hires Boris Becker, Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Former Coach

Following her July 2025 breakup with Stefanos Tsitsipas, Paula Badosa is poised to make a bold coaching move by hiring Boris Becker, Tsitsipas’ former coach from 2023. Badosa, now No. 13, has shown resilience with a Washington Open quarterfinal run despite a back injury. Becker’s aggressive coaching style, which helped Tsitsipas reach the 2023 Australian Open final, could elevate Badosa’s baseline game. While no official confirmation exists, X posts from @TennisInsider23 speculated on Becker’s interest in guiding Badosa to a Grand Slam. This move would signal her intent to break into the top 10 and make a deep US Open singles run, leveraging Becker’s experience with players like Novak Djokovic.

3. Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro Win US Open Mixed Doubles

With Raducanu potentially withdrawing, the top-seeded pair of Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro, who secured direct entry, is favored to claim the $1 million US Open mixed doubles title. Sinner, world No. 1, and Navarro, No. 9, bring complementary styles—Sinner’s powerful baseline game and Navarro’s defensive consistency. Their commitment to the event, unlike some singles stars wary of the two-day format, positions them as frontrunners. A Tennisuptodate report confirmed their participation, and their chemistry could outshine pairs like Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, especially if scheduling issues disrupt other teams.

4. Coco Gauff Reaches US Open Semifinals, Overcoming Serve Woes

Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, has struggled with her serve in 2025, leading the WTA in double faults with 23 in her Montreal win over Danielle Collins. Despite this, Lindsay Davenport praised her “unbelievable” ability to win with “C-level” tennis. Gauff’s mental resilience and recent French Open title make her a strong contender for a deep US Open run. With a favorable draw and home-crowd support, she’s predicted to reach the semifinals, potentially facing Aryna Sabalenka, provided she refines her toss and grip adjustments noted in Montreal.

5. Alexander Zverev Wins Cincinnati Open with Toni Nadal’s Guidance

Alexander Zverev’s 10-day training stint with Toni Nadal in Mallorca has sparked optimism for a breakthrough. Despite Dinara Safina’s doubts about his willingness to change, Zverev’s openness to Toni’s straightforward coaching could unlock his potential. As the top seed at the 2025 Canadian Open, where he defeated Matteo Arnaldi (6-3, 6-4), Zverev is building momentum. A Cincinnati Open title (August 12-18) would mark his first Masters 1000 win of 2025, boosting his confidence for a maiden Grand Slam at the US Open, where he’s yet to advance beyond the quarterfinals.