Carlos Alcaraz has revealed how he secured his "dream partnership" with Emma Raducanu for the US Open's new lucrative mixed doubles tournament in August.
The Spanish star disclosed that he made a special request to team up with the 2021 US Open champion for the pre-tournament event at Flushing Meadows.
"I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me. Yeah, I made that special request," Alcaraz said.
The US Open has transformed its mixed doubles into a high-profile competition featuring star pairings, with the 'Alcaranu' combination among the most eye-catching partnerships announced for the revamped format.
Carlos Alcaraz has revealed how he secured his "dream partnership" with Emma Raducanu for the US Open's new lucrative mixed doubles tournament in August
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Alcaraz expressed his excitement about the partnership, revealing their long-standing friendship was key to the collaboration.
"I've known Emma for a really long time ago, so we know each other. I have a really good relationship with her," the 22-year-old said.
Despite his doubles experience, including partnering Rafael Nadal at last year's Paris Olympics, Alcaraz insisted Raducanu would take charge.
Presenting the first teams to enter the blockbuster reimagined US Open Mixed Doubles Championship 🤩
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) June 17, 2025
More info: https://t.co/bIMJGbf3qI pic.twitter.com/TRRmcjidba
"She's gonna be the boss," he declared with a smile. "I'm super excited about it. I think it's going to be great.
"We are going to enjoy it, for sure. I will try to bring my doubles skill. We will try to win, but obviously it's going to be really, really fun."
British No 1 Jack Draper offered a humorous response when asked about potentially partnering with Raducanu.
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Draper, who will play alongside China's Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, joked about being snubbed by his compatriot.
"A wise person once told me you should find the best partner, and that's what she did in Alcaraz," Draper said with a smile.
"I don't blame her at all for that. I think she will have a lot of fun playing with Carlos."
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The 22-year-old acknowledged Alcaraz's credentials: "He's obviously the best player in the world probably right now, along with Sinner. Great at doubles, as well. Saw that with Rafa at the Olympics."
"She's gone about and chose the best partner, for sure. Hopefully they do well."
The US Open's mixed doubles event has been transformed into a lucrative pre-tournament competition featuring high-profile pairings.
Jannik Sinner will partner American Emma Navarro, while women's world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka teams up with Grigor Dimitrov.
Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz are friends away from the courtGETTYOther notable partnerships include Naomi Osaka with Nick Kyrgios, Novak Djokovic with fellow Serbian Olga Danilovic, and off-court partners Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Raducanu has limited doubles experience, having recently played alongside Katie Boulter at the HSBC Championships at Queen's Club, where she admitted she "didn't know what she was doing" in doubles.
The revamped format is expected to become one of the most talked-about tennis events of 2025.
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