US Open: Alcaraz and Raducanu’s mixed doubles exit was expected — but still exciting
Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu’s early exit from the US Open wasn’t exactly a shock. Star singles players don’t always make great doubles partners. The last successful pairing of singles champions was the Williams sisters — Serena and Venus — but they had the advantage of playing together since childhood.
So when five-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz and 2021 US Open champion Raducanu teamed up for mixed doubles, the tennis world buzzed with excitement. Even romance rumours briefly swirled, until Raducanu clarified that she’s already in a relationship.
That didn’t stop the Flushing Meadows crowd from cheering them on throughout their loss to Scott Draper and Jessica Pegula, an experienced doubles player. Truth is, no one expected them to win — but they clearly enjoyed themselves.
Doubles is not easy, as Alcaraz and Raducanu discovered. With its sharp angles, reflex volleys, and net play, it’s a different game entirely. That said, several legendary singles players — Billie Jean King, John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, and more recently Coco Gauff — have thrived in doubles. The common factor? Regular play and steady partners.
