The much-anticipated mixed doubles pairing of Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz at the 2025 US Open is now in serious doubt, as scheduling conflicts and logistical hurdles threaten to derail one of the tournament’s most exciting storylines. The duo, who were set to debut as a team in the newly revamped mixed doubles championship at Flushing Meadows, may be forced to withdraw due to Alcaraz’s commitments in the Cincinnati Open final, which concludes just hours before their scheduled first-round match in New York.
🎾 A Star-Studded Pairing at Risk
Raducanu and Alcaraz’s partnership was announced in June to great fanfare, with both players expressing enthusiasm about teaming up. “She’s going to be the boss,” Alcaraz said at the time. “I’m super excited about it. I think it’s going to be great. We’re both going to enjoy, for sure”. Raducanu echoed the sentiment, calling the opportunity “really, really fun” and citing her admiration for Alcaraz’s game and personality.
However, the dream pairing now faces a race against time. Alcaraz is set to play the Cincinnati Open final against Jannik Sinner on Monday evening, while the mixed doubles round of 16 at the US Open kicks off Tuesday night. With only a 24-hour window between the two events and a two-hour flight separating Cincinnati and New York, the Spaniard’s participation is increasingly uncertain.
🧭 Timeline of Events
| Event | Date & Time (Local) | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Open Final | Monday, Aug 18, 8 PM | Cincinnati, Ohio | Alcaraz vs Sinner |
| US Open Mixed Doubles R1 | Tuesday, Aug 19, 7 PM | New York | Raducanu/Alcaraz vs Pegula/Draper |
| US Open Singles Begins | Saturday, Aug 24 | New York | Alcaraz expected to be second seed |
🛫 Logistical Headache
The tight turnaround has created a logistical nightmare for Alcaraz, whose priority remains the singles competition at the US Open. While a two-hour flight makes participation technically possible, the lack of recovery time and preparation could compromise his performance in both events. Raducanu’s team remains hopeful, having reached out to Alcaraz’s camp to confirm his availability.
| Factor | Impact on Participation |
|---|---|
| Cincinnati Final | Physical fatigue |
| Travel Time | 2 hours (Cincinnati–NY) |
| Recovery Window | Less than 24 hours |
| Singles Preparation | High priority for Alcaraz |
🏆 Mixed Doubles Championship Format
The US Open mixed doubles event has been reimagined as a two-day knockout tournament during Fan Week, with only 16 teams competing. The winners of the first round will progress directly to the quarterfinals, raising the stakes for every match.
| Round | Date | Format | Advancement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round of 16 | Aug 19 | Single match | Quarterfinals |
| Quarterfinals | Aug 20 | Single match | Semifinals |
| Semifinals | Aug 21 | Single match | Finals |
| Finals | Aug 22 | Single match | Champion |
The prize pool for the event stands at $1 million, adding further incentive for top players to participate.
🧠 Draw Analysis: A Tough Road Ahead
Raducanu and Alcaraz were drawn against the No.1 seeds—Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper—in the round of 16. Should they advance, they could face Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic in the quarterfinals, followed by potential matchups against Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva or Casper Ruud and Iga Swiatek in later rounds.
| Potential Opponents | Round | Seed Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pegula/Draper | Round of 16 | No.1 seeds |
| Djokovic/Danilovic | Quarterfinals | Unseeded |
| Medvedev/Andreeva | Quarterfinals | Unseeded |
| Ruud/Swiatek | Semifinals | No.3 seeds |
💬 Off-Court Buzz: Romance Rumors and Fan Frenzy
The Raducanu-Alcaraz pairing has generated significant buzz off the court, with fans speculating about a possible romantic connection. Both players have denied the rumors, insisting they are “just friends”. Nonetheless, their chemistry and mutual admiration have made them one of the most talked-about duos in tennis this summer.
Raducanu said, “When he asked me, I was going to say yes. I just had to go through the formality of asking my coach”. Alcaraz added, “I know Emma since a really long time ago. I have a really good relationship with her”.
🏥 Other Withdrawals and Doubts
The mixed doubles field has already seen several high-profile withdrawals, including Paula Badosa, Qinwen Zheng, Grigor Dimitrov, and Aryna Sabalenka. Jannik Sinner’s partnership with Emma Navarro is also in doubt due to scheduling conflicts, while Alexander Zverev may pull out due to injury.
| Player | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Paula Badosa | Withdrawn | Injury |
| Qinwen Zheng | Withdrawn | Personal reasons |
| Grigor Dimitrov | Withdrawn | Wimbledon injury |
| Aryna Sabalenka | Declined | No replacement partner |
| Jannik Sinner | Doubtful | Cincinnati final conflict |
| Alexander Zverev | Doubtful | Injury concerns |
📊 Fan Sentiment and Social Media Reaction
Tennis fans have taken to social media to express disappointment and hope. The hashtag #AlcarazRaducanu has trended across platforms, with users calling for tournament organizers to adjust scheduling to accommodate top stars.
| Platform | Sentiment Summary |
|---|---|
| Mixed: hopeful and frustrated | |
| Supportive, romantic speculation | |
| Critical of scheduling |
📌 Conclusion: Will They or Won’t They?
As the clock ticks down to the opening match, the fate of the Raducanu-Alcaraz partnership hangs in the balance. While both players remain enthusiastic about competing together, the scheduling conflict may force a last-minute withdrawal. Fans, organizers, and fellow players are watching closely, hoping that the duo can overcome the odds and deliver the spectacle they promised.
Whether they take the court or not, the buzz surrounding their partnership has already made the 2025 US Open mixed doubles event one of the most talked-about in recent history.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available sports news and tournament schedules as of August 19, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute official confirmation or endorsement.
