Carlos Alcaraz has revealed he personally reached out to Emma Raducanu to form a high-profile mixed doubles team for the radically revamped US Open event, calling the Brit “the boss” in their new partnership.
The Spanish world No. 2, speaking after his opening-round win at Queen's Club, confirmed he initiated the request for what fans have already dubbed the "Alcaranu" duo.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!"I was thinking that I couldn't play better if it wasn't with Emma," said Alcaraz after defeating Australia's Adam Walton 6-4, 7-6. "I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me - I made that special request."
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, did not immediately accept. "She took a while," Alcaraz laughed. "Not much, but she had to think a bit. But it wasn't in a minute."
The pair will compete in the new-look US Open mixed doubles event, now a standalone 16-team tournament played the week before the singles draw. The format overhaul includes the top-ranked singles players, with Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Jannik Sinner all named in the entry list.
"She's going to be the boss," Alcaraz added. "I've known Emma for a really long time and I have a really good relationship with her. We will try to win. But obviously it's going to be really, really fun."
USTA CEO Lew Sherr hailed the response: "It shows that the players are behind what we are trying to do, and we know that the fans will love it."
The new format has its critics, including defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who initially called the change a "profound injustice" - though they are now listed among the teams. The winners will split a $1 million prize.
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