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