Jack Draper revealed why a much-anticipated mixed doubles partnership with fellow British star Emma Raducanu at the 2025 US Open didn’t materialize, despite both entering the revamped event during ‘Fan Week’ (August 19–20), per Express. Instead, Draper teamed up with Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng, while Raducanu paired with five-time Major winner Carlos Alcaraz, as confirmed by the US Open’s entry list on June 17, 2025, per @DExpress_Sport. Draper explained that Raducanu opted for “the best partner possible” in Alcaraz, saying, “A wise person once told me you should find the best partner, and that’s what she did in Alcaraz. I don’t blame her at all for that,” per Express.
How the Pairings Came About
Draper initiated his partnership with Zheng, who had previously named him her dream doubles partner, through their shared management agency, per Express. He praised the event’s format, noting, “It’s a good format for the players to get prepared for the US Open, having a shot at playing with another top player,” per Express. Raducanu, meanwhile, fulfilled Alcaraz’s long-expressed desire to play mixed doubles with her, which he voiced in January 2024, per @limuzinaxd. Their close friendship, marked by Raducanu attending Alcaraz’s 2024 Wimbledon final, fueled excitement, though they’ve clarified they’re “just friends,” per GB News.
Draper’s High-Profile Alternative
Draper’s pairing with Zheng, who defeated Raducanu 6-4, 6-3 at Queen’s Club in June 2025, offered a strong alternative, blending his powerful serve with Zheng’s baseline aggression, per ATP Tour. The US Open’s star-studded field also included pairs like Coco Gauff and Jack Draper’s compatriot Jannik Sinner, Jessica Pegula and Tommy Paul, and Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios, per @HowardFendrich. British fans, hoping for a Draper-Raducanu link-up given their long-standing friendship from junior tournaments like the Orange Bowl, were disappointed but acknowledged the strategic choices, per @GBNEWS.
Raducanu and Draper’s Bond
Despite missing out on doubles, Draper and Raducanu’s mutual support remains strong. Draper, now ATP No. 5, called Raducanu “a real special talent” in a 2024 Vogue interview, while Raducanu praised his Madrid Open final run, saying, “He’s a great tennis player and can take the game out of anyone’s hands,” per Sportskeeda. Their platonic bond, often mistaken for romance, has fueled speculation, but Draper emphasized, “She’s always been there for me,” per Wales Online. Both are now focused on Wimbledon 2025, starting June 30, per WTA Tennis.
