**Concerns Rise Over Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz’s Participation Following Jack Draper’s Withdrawal from US Open Mixed Doubles**
Tennis enthusiasts are anxiously awaiting confirmation on whether British star Emma Raducanu and Spanish prodigy Carlos Alcaraz will feature in this year’s newly-formatted US Open mixed doubles event, amid growing concern they could join a wave of high-profile withdrawals. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has rolled out a fresh two-day format in a bid to attract elite competitors, yet this ambitious switch has already seen key pairings step away, raising fresh doubts about player commitment.
The revamped mixed doubles tournament is scheduled for August 19–20, taking place just prior to the marquee singles competition at Flushing Meadows, New York. In an effort to make the event attractive, organisers have set aside a substantial $1 million for the winning duo. The competition offers 16 spots: half will be distributed based purely on the combined singles rankings of applicants, whilst the remainder are set to be filled by wildcards.
Despite these lucrative incentives, The Mirror has reported that tennis pairings including Stefanos Tsitsipas with Paula Badosa, and Britain’s Jack Draper with China’s Zheng Qinwen, have already decided to withdraw from the new-format tournament. Notably, whispers regarding the dissolution of Tsitsipas and Badosa’s off-court relationship may have driven their decision, although no official statement has clarified this. Draper and Zheng’s absence further reflects a hesitancy among top singles players about squeezing yet another competition into their already demanding schedules.
Reports in The Sun are now casting doubts about whether Alcaraz and Raducanu will participate, suggesting the two may also decide to focus entirely on their singles aspirations. Raducanu previously prioritised her singles career at Wimbledon in 2024, controversially withdrawing from a mixed doubles partnership with Andy Murray, despite significant anticipation from fans and tournament organisers.
Adding to the speculation, Alcaraz is presently managing his fitness following a heavy schedule, most recently pulling out of the Canadian Open due to minor muscle issues sustained after his effort in the Wimbledon final. The young Spaniard openly admitted to needing both physical and mental recuperation before diving into further competition, a sentiment echoed by many top players attempting to balance the relentless Grand Slam circuit.
Should Raducanu and Alcaraz decide against competing in the mixed doubles, it would be a disappointing outcome for spectators, given the initial fanfare their possible partnership inspired. The pair had spoken positively about teaming up, with Alcaraz sharing playful remarks about Raducanu’s deliberations before accepting his invitation. Raducanu herself acknowledged the need to consult her supporting team before committing to extra play.
Alcaraz, always keen to connect with fans, emphasised his excitement at the idea, noting the tournament’s approach and its potential to be a “great” addition to the sporting calendar. He also highlighted his longstanding friendship with Raducanu, suggesting their on-court rapport could have made for an entertaining spectacle.
However, the current climate in elite tennis – with its demanding travel, packed calendar, and rising injury concerns – continues to put intense pressure on star athletes to prioritise rest and recovery. The ambitions of tournament organisers to add more prestige and prize money are clashing with very real physical demands placed on top-tier players.
Whatever the outcome regarding Raducanu and Alcaraz, the US Open’s trial of a revamped mixed doubles format has already sparked debates about the feasibility of growing new events for the top echelons of the sport. It remains to be seen whether such innovations can thrive within a landscape that increasingly values career longevity and focused preparation over additional opportunities for headline-grabbing matchups.
As the tournament date draws near, the tennis community will be watching closely for final word from both players—hoping, but not certain, that the US Open will get the star power in its mixed doubles showcase that fans have been eagerly anticipating.