 "Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu will pair-up for the mixed doubles at US Open 2025. Image: AFP")
Tennis fanatics around the world are looking forward to witnessing how the exciting pair of world No 2 Carlos Alcaraz and former US Open winner Emma Raducanu will fare together at the inaugural Mixed Doubles Championship.
However, in what could be defined as a huge setback to the fans, Alcaraz and Raducanu have been handed a nightmare of a draw in the tournament. The Spaniard and Briton will begin their campaign on Tuesday, and they will face the No 1 seeds Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula in their Round of 16 match at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Formidable path lined up for Alcaraz and Raducanu
If they manage to defeat Draper and Pegula, another formidable challenge awaits. They will face the winners of the match between Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic, and Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva, in the next round.
Djokovic and Alcaraz have clashed multiple times in high-stakes Grand Slam encounters, and it could be another occasion where the pioneer of the new generation will meet the old guard of tennis. Moreover, with doubles partners in the mix, a thrilling exhibition could take place.
According to the other draws, the second seeds, Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina, will face defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori in the first round. The third-seeded Casper Ruud and Iga Swiatek, another exciting pair, are set to compete against Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe.
Veteran player Venus Williams, 45, will also participate in the tournament. She will partner with compatriot Reilly Opelka, and the pair will face Karolína Muchová and Andrey Rublev in the first round.
The Mixed Doubles Championship will begin and conclude within the next two days. This new initiative, introduced by the USTA to boost the popularity of the mixed doubles category, is expected to be a major success with top stars competing. The US Open for singles and other categories will begin on August 24, 2025.