Raducanu and Alcaraz Headline Revamped US Open Mixed Doubles Event

British number one Emma Raducanu will join forces with Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in a bold new iteration of the US Open mixed doubles competition. The duo are among a string of high-profile partnerships set to take part in the standalone event scheduled for 19-20 August, just days before the Grand Slam officially begins on 24 August.

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) hopes this early showcase will attract greater attention and encourage participation from more top-tier singles players. This year’s event represents a strategic shift, aiming to elevate the profile of mixed doubles on the global tennis stage.

Big Names, Bold Format

Other eye-catching pairings include British rising star Jack Draper alongside China’s world number four Zheng Qinwen, while tennis heavyweights Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, Jannik Sinner, and Iga Swiatek are also included in the initial entry list. In total, 16 mixed teams have been announced, although their participation will only be confirmed by the official deadline on 28 July.

Matches will be played under a faster format: early rounds will consist of best-of-three sets to four games, with no-ad scoring and a 10-point match tie-break if required. The final will follow a more traditional structure, played to six games.

Raducanu-Alcaraz: A Star-Studded Team-Up

Alcaraz revealed that the idea to partner with Raducanu came through their respective agents and that the Brit initially took some time to consider the proposal. “I’m really excited. It’s a great initiative by the tournament,” said the Spaniard after his opening win at Queen’s Club. “We’re going to try to win, of course, but more than anything, it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Jack Draper has also committed to playing, calling the format “a great way to prepare” for the US Open and an opportunity to compete alongside elite talent.

Initial Entry List Revealed

The USTA released the following provisional pairings:

• Emma Raducanu (GBR) & Carlos Alcaraz (ESP)

• Zheng Qinwen (CHN) & Jack Draper (GBR)

• Naomi Osaka (JPN) & Nick Kyrgios (AUS)

• Olga Danilovic (SRB) & Novak Djokovic (SRB)

• Iga Swiatek (POL) & Casper Ruud (NOR)

• Jessica Pegula (USA) & Tommy Paul (USA)

• Madison Keys (USA) & Frances Tiafoe (USA)

• Elena Rybakina (KAZ) & Taylor Fritz (USA)

• Jasmine Paolini (ITA) & Lorenzo Musetti (ITA)

• Paula Badosa (ESP) & Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE)

• Emma Navarro (USA) & Jannik Sinner (ITA)

• Belinda Bencic (SUI) & Alexander Zverev (GER)

• Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) & Grigor Dimitrov (BUL)

• Sara Errani (ITA) & Andrea Vavassori (ITA)

• Mirra Andreeva (RUS) & Daniil Medvedev (RUS)

• Taylor Townsend (USA) & Ben Shelton (USA)

Only the top eight teams, based on combined singles rankings, will gain automatic entry, while the remaining eight slots will be awarded through wildcards.

Mixed Reactions from the Tennis Community

While the USTA’s vision has been largely welcomed by fans and top singles players, it hasn’t been without controversy. Some doubles specialists criticized the early changes when announced earlier this year. Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who initially opposed the move, have since joined the entry list. French doubles star Kristina Mladenovic called the decision “shocking” and voiced concern about the future of traditional doubles formats.

USTA CEO Lew Sherr expressed optimism, stating: “We were confident players would get behind this, and the entry list confirms that. We believe fans will be thrilled by what’s coming.”