The tennis world buzzed with excitement when the initial 16 teams for the 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship were revealed. Among the head-turning pairings, one stood out: Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz. While many fans expressed their enthusiasm for this dynamic duo, some had hoped to see Raducanu team up with fellow British star Jack Draper. Draper has now responded, offering his perspective on Raducanu’s choice.
Draper’s Wise Words
Following his first match at the HSBC Championships, Jack Draper was directly asked why he and Raducanu, Britain’s top-ranked players, wouldn’t be joining forces at the US Open. Draper, known for his thoughtful demeanor, responded with a touch of humor and understanding.
“Yeah, I mean, a wise person once told me you should find the best partner, and that’s what she did in Alcaraz. I don’t blame her at all for that,” Draper said. He further added, “Yeah, I think she will have a lot of fun playing with Carlos. He’s obviously the best player in the world, probably right now, along with [Jannik] Sinner. Great at doubles, as well. Saw that with Rafa [Nadal] at the Olympics. She’s gone about and chose the best partner, for sure. Hopefully, they do well.”
Draper’s response highlights his respect for Raducanu’s decision and his acknowledgement of Alcaraz’s exceptional abilities. It also subtly hints at the strategic considerations that come into play when forming doubles partnerships.
A Strategic Choice?
Draper’s comment about finding the “best partner” suggests that Raducanu’s choice was likely influenced by Alcaraz’s current form and reputation. Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion and world number two, is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world. His success in both singles and doubles makes him a highly desirable partner for any player.
Alcaraz himself initiated the partnership. After the tournament proposed the mixed doubles event, Alcaraz said, “I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma. I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me. Yeah, I made that special request.” He jokingly added that “She took a while (to respond). No, not that much, not that much.”
Raducanu’s decision to team up with Alcaraz can be seen as a strategic move to maximize her chances of success in the mixed doubles event. While a partnership with Draper would undoubtedly be popular among British fans, Alcaraz’s superior ranking and recent achievements may have been the deciding factors.
A Missed Opportunity for British Fans?
Despite the logic behind Raducanu’s choice, some fans expressed disappointment that she wouldn’t be partnering with Draper. The prospect of seeing Britain’s two highest-ranked players competing together on the same side of the net was undoubtedly appealing.
However, Draper’s gracious response suggests that he understands the situation and harbors no ill feelings towards Raducanu. In fact, he seems genuinely excited about the prospect of seeing her team up with Alcaraz.
Draper’s Own Partnership
While Draper won’t be partnering with Raducanu, he will still be participating in the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship. He is set to team up with Qinwen Zheng, the world number four and Olympic champion from China.
Draper expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership, saying, “I think it’s a good format for the players to get prepared for the US Open, having a shot at playing with another top player. Qinwen I know from the Tour. I have seen her around. Obviously a great player herself and has a really good game.”
Draper’s partnership with Zheng promises to be an exciting one, and British fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how they perform together.
Raducanu and Draper: A Close Bond
Regardless of their choices in partners for the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship, Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper share a close bond that extends beyond the tennis court. The pair have been friends for many years, having trained at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton and competed in the same junior tournaments.
Draper has spoken highly of Raducanu in the past, describing her as “extremely bubbly, very kind, very thoughtful, always giggling, really smart. A really, really, really good girl.” He has also acknowledged that Raducanu’s historic 2021 US Open triumph served as a powerful motivation for his own career.
Raducanu has also expressed her support for Draper, and the two have often been seen cheering each other on during matches. Their friendship represents more than just personal camaraderie; it embodies the future of British tennis.
A Revamped US Open Mixed Doubles Championship
The 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship will feature a completely overhauled format. Instead of being played in the latter stages of the Grand Slam, the mixed doubles tournament will take place over two days during the week before the main tournament, from August 19-20.
This change is intended to attract more high-profile players and create a more exciting event for fans. The prize money has also been significantly increased, with the winning team set to receive $1 million.
The new format will see 16 teams competing in a best-of-three format up to four games, with no advantage points and a 10-point tiebreak should the match require a decider, instead of the typical third set. Eight teams will receive direct entry based on their combined singles rankings, while the remaining eight spots will be allocated as wildcards.
Star-Studded Pairings
In addition to Raducanu and Alcaraz, and Draper and Zheng, a number of other high-profile players have teamed up for the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship. Some of the most notable pairings include:
- Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro
- Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud
- Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka
- Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic
- Aryna Sabalenka and Grigor Dimitrov
The presence of so many top players underscores the significance of the revamped mixed doubles event and its potential to become a major attraction at the US Open.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship promises to be an exciting event, with a new format, increased prize money, and a star-studded field. While some fans may be disappointed that Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper won’t be partnering up, both players have found strong partners in Carlos Alcaraz and Qinwen Zheng, respectively.
The tournament will provide a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s best players competing together in a fast-paced and entertaining format. Whether you’re a die-hard tennis fan or a casual observer, the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship is sure to deliver plenty of thrills and surprises.
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