Emma Raducanu has been paired with Jack Draper for the US Open mixed doubles, raising concerns about her partnership with Carlos Alcaraz. Fans were thrilled about Raducanu and Alcaraz teaming up for the event in New York, as the United States Tennis Association introduced the doubles competition a week before the singles, offering a substantial prize to attract top players.
However, a scheduling change may hinder their participation as Alcaraz is set to compete against Jannik Sinner in the Cincinnati Open final with a tight turnaround. The Cincinnati Open has been extended to Monday night, delaying the match between Alcaraz and Sinner, who are known for intense battles on the court, potentially affecting Alcaraz’s availability for Raducanu.
The flight from Cincinnati to New York takes approximately two hours, and the mixed doubles are scheduled to commence at 11 am local time on Tuesday, followed by the semi-finals and final on Wednesday. Despite the uncertainty, Alcaraz and Raducanu are still listed in the draw to face Draper and Jessica Pegula after their original partners withdrew.
Meanwhile, Sinner and Katerina Siniakova are expected to play Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev, with questions lingering over whether these matches will proceed. Alcaraz opted out of the Canadian Open to manage an injury concern post-Wimbledon, potentially prioritizing rest before the US Open singles.
It would be disappointing if Raducanu and Alcaraz miss the opportunity to play together, given their excitement about the pairing during Wimbledon. Alcaraz expressed his anticipation for the event, highlighting his longstanding relationship with Raducanu and their shared goal of winning the mixed doubles.