Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz's blockbuster team-up may be close to collapse as new details emerge leading into the US Open.
Doubts are mounting about whether Raducanu and Alcaraz will compete together at the US Open's mixed doubles tournament after numerous prominent pairings withdrew from the controversial new competition.
The British and Spanish stars, who have both previously claimed US Open singles titles, were among the initial entries for the revamped doubles format scheduled for August in New York.
Their partnership announcement generated significant interest from tennis enthusiasts eager to witness 'Radalcaraz' compete together.
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|The two have been the talk of the tennis community in recent weeks
However, the tournament has been plagued by cancellations from several high-profile pairings, prompting speculation that Raducanu and Alcaraz might also prioritise their singles campaigns over the doubles competition.
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa have withdrawn their names from the tournament entry list, with their decision coinciding with reports that the tennis couple have ended their relationship permanently.
Britain's top-ranked player Jack Draper and China's Zheng Qinwen have also cancelled their participation due to injury issues.
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Draper revealed at Wimbledon that he "thinks it was me who messaged" his partner, suggesting the arrangement was orchestrated by his management company IMG.
Despite these withdrawals, several notable partnerships remain committed to competing, including Aryna Sabalenka with Grigor Dimitrov, Iga Swiatek paired with Casper Ruud, Jannik Sinner alongside Emma Navarro, and Olga Danilovic partnering with Novak Djokovic.
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|Emma Raducanu has been seen keeping a keen eye on Carlos Alcaraz
The tournament features a modified structure with prize money of $1million for the winning pair and a "fast four" format utilising shortened sets, scheduled for the week preceding the singles competition.
Entry numbers have risen to 25 teams competing for 16 available places, with recent additions including engaged couple Katie Boulter and Alex De Minaur, Amanda Anisimova partnered with Holger Rune, Venus Williams alongside Reilly Opelka, and doubles world number ones Katerina Siniakova and Marcelo Arevalo.
Siniakova, who has secured 11 Grand Slam titles including the 2025 Wimbledon mixed doubles championship, criticised the restructured tournament, stating: "When two world No. 1s in doubles don't get into the tournament, there's probably nothing more to say about it."
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The Czech doubles specialist, who requires a wildcard for entry, expressed doubt about her selection chances, adding: "I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if I won't get it, actually. I will just keep it like this."
Qualification for the tournament isn't assured for Raducanu and Alcaraz, as only the eight highest-ranked pairs based on singles standings receive automatic entry.
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|The pair insist they are nothing more then friends
Tournament organisers would likely award the British-Spanish partnership one of eight available wildcards given their profile and previous US Open singles victories.
The pair have maintained they are "good friends" despite romantic speculation, with Raducanu attending Alcaraz's matches at Queen's and Wimbledon around their collaboration on an Evian advertisement.