Coco Gauff Speaks on Potentially Playing With Carlos Alcaraz in Mixed Doubles

Coco Gauff has officially punched her ticket to the Round of 16 at the 2026 Cincinnati Open after a gritty, hard-fought victory over fellow American Ann Li. While the win confirms her status as a serious contender for the title, Gauff’s post-match comments regarding a potential high-profile exhibition match against ATP superstar Carlos Alcaraz have created just as much buzz as her performance on the court.

As reported by USA Today Sports, the conversation quickly shifted from her tactical triumph over Li to the trending topic of mixed-gender exhibition matches. This chatter was fueled by the success of the “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition held late last year, which saw Aryna Sabalenka face off against Nick Kyrgios. Gauff said:

For my own confidence, I probably wouldn’t step onto the court with him. I wouldn’t oppose it, but I would prefer him to be on the same side of the court as me, and I would be willing to play mixed doubles with him. My dad would probably still bet on me, even if I bet on Carlos.

The victory was far from a routine affair for the young American. Early this morning, Gauff found herself tested, particularly in a second set where she trailed 5-3, appearing momentarily on the ropes against a determined Li. However, true to the tenacity that has defined her rapid ascent in the sport, Gauff dug deep to flip the script, eventually closing out the match 6-1, 7-6.

When it comes to mixed doubles, Alcaraz himself is not new to this subject. Last year, he played mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu at the US Open. This year, he is rumored to be playing with Serena Williams, but his participation at Flushing Meadows has not been confirmed yet.

The evolving landscape of Tennis exhibitions

Interest in these types of crossovers has exploded since the 2025 US Open, when initiatives involving mixed-doubles pairings captured the public imagination. Aryna Sabalenka, who participated in the high-profile exhibition against Nick Kyrgios, has recently signaled her openness to testing the format again with different rules and different opponents.

This has sparked a broader debate in the tennis world about the entertainment value of such matches and whether they serve to bridge the gap between the ATP and WTA tours or remain merely a spectacle for fans.

For Gauff, the prospect of teaming up with Alcaraz is far more appealing than facing him. Her doubles pedigree is unquestionable; she has captured 10 titles in her career with partners such as Jessica Pegula and Katerina Siniakova, proving that her game translates seamlessly to the collaborative environment of doubles.

The prospect of a Gauff-Alcaraz partnership would be a logistical dream for tournament organizers, especially with reports that the US Open may look to use wildcard slots for major stars to boost engagement.

Neither player has officially committed to the US Open mixed doubles draw yet, leaving the door wide open for a surprise announcement. Given that Alcaraz has been managing recovery from a spring wrist injury, a mixed doubles appearance could serve as the perfect, lower-impact way to keep him match-fit while providing the fans with the headline act they crave.

What’s next for Coco Gauff

With the Cincinnati victory firmly in the rearview mirror, Gauff is already preparing for the next hurdle. Her journey to the later rounds of the tournament continues with a high-stakes rematch against Marie Bouzkova, who advanced after a grueling, tight victory on Tuesday.

As Gauff continues to navigate the draw, her focus remains laser-focused on capturing her first title of the 2026 season. The confidence she displayed in clawing back from a 5-3 deficit against Li suggests that she is rounding into form at the perfect time.

Whether or not that form eventually leads to a dream partnership with Alcaraz remains a question for later this summer, but for now, the tennis world’s eyes are fixed on how far Gauff can climb in the Ohio heat. Gauff will be looking to win her 3rd Grand Slam title and a second one in New York later this month.

Also Read: Aryna Sabalenka Admits She Ends Up Fighting with Her Coaches If They Criticize Her ‘Too Harshly’