Emma Raducanu is set to compete against Jack Draper in the mixed doubles event at the US Open, but there are concerns that her partnership with Carlos Alcaraz might not materialize. Fans were excited to learn that Raducanu and Alcaraz were teaming up for the new format in New York, where the United States Tennis Association is offering a substantial prize of $1 million to attract top players.
However, a scheduling change that initially brought about exciting partnerships may now hinder their participation. Alcaraz, who is set to face Jannik Sinner in the final of the Cincinnati Open, faces a tight turnaround due to the extended schedule of the tournament, leading to a potential clash with the mixed doubles event.
The flight from Cincinnati to New York takes approximately two hours, and the mixed doubles matches are scheduled to begin at 11 am local time on Tuesday, with the semi-finals and final set for Wednesday. Despite the uncertainty, the official draw released on Sunday night still includes Alcaraz and Raducanu, who are slated to play Draper and Jessica Pegula after their original partners withdrew.
In a parallel scenario, Sinner and Katerina Siniakova are expected to face Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev in the mixed doubles, although it remains to be confirmed if these matches will proceed. Alcaraz opted to skip the Canadian Open to manage a minor injury post his Wimbledon final defeat and may prioritize rest and recovery for the upcoming US Open singles.
It would be disappointing if Raducanu and Alcaraz miss the opportunity to play together, as both players expressed eagerness for the partnership during Wimbledon. Alcaraz mentioned, “She’s going to be the boss,” and expressed excitement about the upcoming mixed doubles event. The draw includes several other exciting matchups, showcasing a mix of established and emerging tennis talents in the tournament.