Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz have given fans an update about whether or not they will be participating in the US Open doubles tournament that begins at the end of August.
Fans were made to worry after several key players dropped out of the tournament, and rumours swirled the duo were looking to withdraw from the lucrative new competition.
Raducanu was reported to be focused on the singles draw, having risen to No 39 in the world rankings - while also regaining her status as British No 1.
Concerns circulated around Alcaraz as he was forced to pull out of the Canadian Open after a muscle injury.
Emma Raducanu is currently British No1
| GettyThe pair have, however, been confirmed to be taking a wildcard entry into the mixed doubles for the US Open.
Another surprise from the entry list sees Jack Draper returning to the tournament, after previously pulling out with an injury. The British No1 will play alongside Paula Badosa, who was initially set to play with Stefanos Tsitsipas, but the pair have since split up.
Venus Williams will also be making her return to the tour at 45 alongside Reilly Opeika. Eight of the 16 pairs have received direct entry into the draw, including duos that include Jannik Sinner and his partner Emma Navarro - as well as Iga Swiatek and Casper Rudd.
The revamped tournament will feature shorter sets with four games and an eye-watering £750,000 prize for the winners.
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Carlos Alcaraz is confirmed to be joining Emma Raducanu
|Reuters
Alcaraz has joked that Raducanu took a while to reply to his offer for a doubles partnership.
When the British No1 was asked about the delay, Raducanu quipped: "Gotta keep 'em on their toes. I mean, of course, I had to ask my team if they wanted me to play.
"But for me, when he asked me, I was going to say yes, I just had to kind of go through the formality of asking my coach, so I didn't just make the decision."
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Alcaraz made it clear on the dynamics of their partnership, when the Spaniard insisted: "She's going to be the boss.
"The US Open came to us and gave us the opportunity to play mixed doubles. I'm super excited about it, it's going to be great, it was an amazing idea from the tournament.
Jack Draper is set to return to the US Open
| Reuters“I’ve known Emma since a long time ago – I have a really good relationship with her so it's going to be interesting. We are going to enjoy for sure, I'll try to put my doubles skills on and we'll try to win."
Raducanu is currently fighting her way through the Canadian Open to try and get a seeded place in the singles ranking for the US Open in August, as she looks to win the tournament again following her spectacular triumph in 2021.