A daunting challenge awaits Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz as they begin their US Open mixed doubles campaign against the tournament's top-seeded partnership.
The British-Spanish duo must overcome Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper in their opening match at Flushing Meadows. The American-British pairing claimed the number one seeding after their initial partners withdrew from the competition.
Pegula originally planned to compete with Tommy Paul, whilst Draper was scheduled to partner Paula Badosa. Their combined rankings automatically elevated them to the top seed position.
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The partnership between Raducanu and Alcaraz has generated significant attention since they announced their collaboration earlier this year, though both players have dismissed speculation about any romantic involvement.
Emma Raducanu will have a tall task to make her way through the mixed doubles with Carloa Alcaraz
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Should they progress past the first round, an equally formidable test could follow for the wild card partnership.
The winners will meet either Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic or the Russian combination of Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev. The Serbian duo face the Russian pairing in their opening match.
A potential encounter between Alcaraz and Djokovic would add another chapter to their rivalry, this time in the doubles format. The two have contested several significant matches in singles competition.
Both partnerships must first navigate their opening encounters before any second-round meeting can materialise. The prospect of such a high-profile clash early in the tournament underscores the competitive nature of this year's mixed doubles draw.
The tournament features several other compelling first-round encounters among the seeded partnerships.
Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori face a stern test against second seeds Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina. The Italian duo's title defence begins with one of the toughest possible opening matches.
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The world No2 is set for a tough time at Flushing Meadows
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Third seeds Casper Ruud and Iga Swiatek have drawn American pair Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe. Swiatek remains committed to competing despite her participation in Monday's Cincinnati final.
The revamped mixed doubles format has attracted strong fields across all seedings. These high-profile opening matches demonstrate the depth of talent in this year's competition at Flushing Meadows.
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At 45-years-old, Venus Williams returns to mixed doubles action at this year's US Open, demonstrating her enduring presence in professional tennis.
The American legend has teamed up with compatriot Reilly Opelka for the tournament. Their opening assignment pits them against Karolina Muchova and Andrey Rublev in the first round.
Jack Draper will have to beat good friend Emma Raducanu for any mixed doubles success
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Williams' participation adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling mixed doubles draw. Her vast experience in Grand Slam competitions could prove invaluable alongside Opelka's powerful game.
The American partnership faces a challenging task against the Czech-Russian combination. Muchova and Rublev represent formidable opponents for Williams and Opelka's first outing together at Flushing Meadows.