Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

‘She Chose the Best Partner’ – Jack Draper Approves the Dream Team of Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu

Britain’s Raducanu pairs with Spain’s Alcaraz, bypassing Draper in US Open team-up.

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu are officially set to play mixed doubles at the 2025 US Open, the USTA confirmed Tuesday. The high-profile pairing, uniting two young Grand Slam champions, headlines a revamped 16-team draw featuring nine of the ATP and WTA top 10. Raducanu’s decision to partner with the Spaniard over fellow Brit Jack Draper raised eyebrows, and buzz is already off the charts, with fans dubbing them “Alcaranu.”

Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu on IG

“Let’s go partner 🤜🤛”

Team. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fMaffFNwh7
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 18, 2025

Jack Draper Reacts to Raducanu Choosing Alcaraz Over Him

Emma Raducanu’s decision to team up with world No. 2 instead of fellow Brit Jack Draper sparked immediate curiosity, especially given their shared national ties and recent rise. But Draper, fresh off a win at Queen’s Club, was supportive.

“A wise person once told me you should find the best partner, and that’s what she did in Alcaraz,” Draper told reporters. “He’s the best player in the world, probably right now, along with Sinner. Great at doubles. Saw that with Rafa at the Olympics. She’s chosen the best partner, for sure.” He added that the duo will likely have “a lot of fun,” wishing them well in the competition.

🗣️ "A wise person once told me to find the best partner and that's exactly what she did in Alcaraz"

Jack Draper on Raducanu teaming up with Alcaraz for the US Open mixed doubles 🤝#HSBCChampionships pic.twitter.com/36GX7nKjLs
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 18, 2025

The official draw will be determined on July 28, with the top eight teams earning direct entry based on combined singles rankings. The remaining eight pairings are expected to be wild cards, finalized closer to the tournament.

A Star-Studded Pairing with Major Buzz

Alcaraz and Raducanu are no strangers to the limelight. Both have previously won the US Open singles titles, and now they’re uniting under the spotlight of Arthur Ashe Stadium in a fresh challenge. Their mixed doubles partnership not only brings star power to the format but also promises a crowd-pulling spectacle during the early days of the tournament.

Alcaraz revealed that the idea came straight from him after his win at Queen’s Club, saying, “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma. I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me. I made that special request.”

Alcaraz on playing mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu at US Open, ‘She’s gonna be the boss’

“Carlos, you're playing with Emma Raducanu at the US Open, mixed doubles. How did that come about? And who is going to be the boss on court?”

Carlos: “She's gonna be the boss (smiling).… pic.twitter.com/IaWm7sPHeE
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 17, 2025

Raducanu, apparently, didn’t jump at the offer immediately but eventually gave her yes. “She took a while. Not much, but she had to think a bit. But it wasn’t in a minute,” he joked.

The Spaniard also called her the “boss” of the team and emphasized their long-standing friendship, “She’s going to be the boss. I am really excited to play with her. We have known each other for a very long time.”

Chemistry On Court, and Off? Fans Are Talking

While nothing has been confirmed by either player, fans haven’t missed the ease and warmth in the duo’s interactions. From Alcaraz calling Raducanu the “boss” to their smiles courtside, social media has exploded with speculation and playful shipping.

The duo we didn't know we needed 🤝

Carlos Alcaraz spoke on his upcoming partnership with Emma Raducanu at #USOpen 2025 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/NyFSOxB2Qr
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) June 17, 2025

X (formerly Twitter) users were quick to light up with comments, coining the name “Alcaranu” and fueling talk of a possible romance. The pair hasn’t addressed any of the speculation, but their upcoming on-court collaboration is sure to be watched just as closely for chemistry as for shot-making.

Also Read: Coco Gauff vs. Xinyu Wang Head-to-Head, Preview, Prediction, and Betting Odds for WTA Berlin Open 2025 Round of 16

2025

Carlos Alcaraz

Emma Raducanu

Jack Draper

Mixed Doubles

US Open

Rudra Dubey

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mma

I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.