Emma Raducanu Embraces the Controversial US Open Mixed Doubles Format Amid Partnership With Carlos Alcaraz

Emma Raducanu has returned to her favorite slam, where she won her first Grand Slam title.

Emma Raducanu Embraces the Controversial US Open Mixed Doubles Format Amid Partnership With Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu (via Tennis)

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Emma Raducanu has called for Wimbledon to consider hosting a modernized mixed doubles tournament similar to the US Open’s new format. The British star recently partnered with Carlos Alcaraz in New York, where a two-day event featuring top players created plenty of buzz. The competition offered a $1 million prize, used a fast-four format, and took place before the singles events.

The showcase divided opinion. Some felt the changes made the matches exciting and fresh, while critics argued it looked more like an exhibition than a Grand Slam event. Raducanu, however, described it as a success that deserved to be repeated by other majors. Raducanu said in the US Open press conference:

I think it would be so fun if all the Slams got involved and did something similar, even if it was not the exact same format. I think it was a huge success. I think so many fans got involved, so many people watched and tuned in. It got a lot of attention. I think it was a great idea. And, yeah, I had a lot of fun on the court playing with Carlos.

Whether that happens remains uncertain. Reports suggest Wimbledon and Roland Garros are unlikely to alter their traditional formats. The Australian Open, known for its willingness to test new ideas, is seen as the most likely to experiment with something similar. Still, financial limitations could hold back both Melbourne and Paris compared to the USTA, which provided major prize money and appearance fees.

Emma Raducanu’s first round US Open opponent revealed

British tennis star Emma Raducanu begins her US Open campaign tomorrow, hoping to start with a strong performance. It has been four years since her stunning title run in New York, but she has not won a match at the tournament since. This year, the Brit has been handed a favorable opening-round draw.

Emma Raducanu
Emma Raducanu (Image via X/Emma Raducanu Fan)

Raducanu will face qualifier Ena Shibahara in her first match. The Japanese player, who represented the United States until 2019, has built most of her career around doubles success. Now she is aiming to establish herself as a singles threat on the big stage.

Shibahara is no stranger to the spotlight. She won the French Open mixed doubles title in 2022 alongside Wesley Koolhof. Her ability at the net and composure under pressure make her a tricky opponent, even for higher-ranked players.

She also has a strong record at Flushing Meadows. Shibahara once reached the mixed doubles semifinals in New York and achieved a career-high doubles ranking of world No. 4. While Raducanu enters as the favorite, her opponent brings valuable Grand Slam experience that could test her early in the tournament.

US Open mixed doubles becomes a huge hit

The 2025 US Open began with a restructured mixed doubles event that spanned two days. Despite criticism of the new format, fans turned out in huge numbers, leading to a new attendance record at the tournament. The change attracted attention as ATP and WTA stars paired up, with only one specialist doubles team allowed to compete.

Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu
Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu (via Tennis)

The draw featured big names, including Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, who partnered as one of the headline teams. They joined Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper, as well as Naomi Osaka and Gael Monfils, in a star-filled field. Former world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud advanced to the final after upsetting Pegula and Draper in a thrilling match.

In the final, Swiatek and Ruud were stopped by the wildcard pairing of Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. The Italian duo, defending champions of the event, clinched the title in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium. The win was a symbolic victory for doubles specialists, who were largely excluded from the revamped format.

Tournament officials confirmed that over 78,000 fans attended across the two days, setting a new record for mixed doubles at a Grand Slam. Stacey Allaster, the US Open director, praised the experiment, saying the format showcased the sport in a fresh way. With the success of the event, other majors may now face pressure to adopt similar changes in the future.

Also Read: Ex-ATP Pro Warns Novak Djokovic ‘Time is Running Out’ for Him to Win Grand Slam Title Ahead of US Open