Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz have allayed fears over their US Open mixed doubles participation by being confirmed on the latest entry list. Reports claimed that the duo could withdraw from the lucrative new event at Flushing Meadows next month.
Raducanu was reported to be determined to focus on the singles draw, having built some momentum by climbing to No. 39 in the WTA rankings. Alcaraz also recently withdrew from the Canadian Open after suffering a muscle injury in the aftermath of Wimbledon. Both situations prompted speculation that the glitzy doubles partnership between the good friends would not happen when the tournament takes place on August 19-20.
However, Raducanu and Alcaraz have now been confirmed as wildcard entries for the US Open mixed doubles. There is also a return to the entry list for Jack Draper, who had previously pulled out of the competition. The British No. 1 will play alongside Paula Badosa, who was initially primed to play with Stefanos Tsitsipas but the pair have since split up.
Venus Williams will compete with Reilly Opelka following the tennis icon’s return to the tour at 45. Eight of the 16 pairs have received direct entry into the draw, including Emma Navarro and Jannik Sinner, and Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud.
Raducanu and Alcaraz are likely to be the star attraction. The tournament will feature shorter sets of four games, and an eye-watering £750,000 prize for the winners.
The Spaniard had joked that his British partner took a while replying to his request to play mixed doubles. Asked about the delay, Raducanu quipped: “Gotta keep ’em on their toes. I mean, of course, I had to ask my team if they wanted me to play.
“But for me, when he asked me, I was going to say yes, I just had to kind of go through the formality of asking my coach, so I didn’t just make the decision.”
Speaking about the dynamics of their partnership, Alcaraz insisted: “She’s going to be the boss. The US Open came to us and gave us the opportunity to play mixed doubles. I’m super excited about it, it’s going to be great, it was an amazing idea from the tournament.
“I’ve known Emma since a long time ago – I have a really good relationship with her so it’s going to be interesting. We are going to enjoy for sure, I’ll try to put my doubles skills on and we’ll try to win.”