“That scares me” – Emma Raducanu reveals fear factor of facing Ben Shelton in US Open mixed doubles with Carlos Alcaraz
Emma Raducanu has candidly revealed her apprehension about facing Ben Shelton in the upcoming US Open mixed doubles event alongside Carlos Alcaraz, admitting that his powerful serve is a significant fear factor. Speaking during a press conference at the Citi DC Open on July 24, 2025, the 22-year-old British star expressed excitement about teaming up with Alcaraz for the revamped tournament, set for August 19-20 at Flushing Meadows, but highlighted her concerns about Shelton’s game. When asked about the challenges of facing ATP players in the mixed format, Raducanu singled out Shelton, saying, “Ben Shelton’s serve, that scares me. (Laughter.) That’s probably one in particular. And then obviously all the guys.” Her lighthearted yet honest remark underscores the intimidation posed by Shelton’s booming serve, which has become a standout feature since his 2023 US Open quarter-final run.
Raducanu’s comment reflects her growing familiarity with doubles, honed through her current partnership with Elena Rybakina in Washington, where she reached the semi-finals. The US Open mixed doubles, featuring a $1 million prize, pits top singles players against each other, and Shelton, ranked No. 14, is paired with Taylor Townsend, a doubles specialist. Raducanu’s fear is well-founded—Shelton’s serve has exceeded 140 mph in matches, a weapon that could test her and Alcaraz, especially given their reliance on a wildcard entry due to their combined singles rankings (No. 39 and No. 2) not securing an automatic spot. Despite their friendship and Alcaraz’s playful promise to “do whatever she wants,” Raducanu’s admission highlights the unpredictable nature of this new format.
As of 05:09 AM WAT on Saturday, July 26, 2025, Raducanu’s focus remains split between her singles semi-final against Aryna Sabalenka and her doubles run, but her revelation adds intrigue to the “Alcaranu” duo’s preparation. Shelton’s participation, confirmed alongside other stars like Jannik Sinner and Naomi Osaka, sets the stage for a competitive showdown, with Raducanu’s candid fear injecting a human element into the high-stakes event.
