The upcoming US Open promises an exciting showdown as British tennis stars Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper are set to face each other in the newly formatted mixed doubles competition. This event will take place in New York City, starting on Tuesday, August 19, and is expected to draw significant attention from tennis fans worldwide.
Emma Raducanu, 22, a rising star who captivated audiences with her stunning performance in winning the US Open in 2021, is partnering with none other than Carlos Alcaraz, a five-time Grand Slam champion from Spain. Meanwhile, Jack Draper, aged 23, will team up with American tennis player Jessica Pegula. Their original partners, Tommy Paul and Paula Badosa, had to withdraw from the tournament for undisclosed reasons. This change only adds to the intrigue as both pairings prepare to compete for the mixed doubles title.
The organizers of this year’s US Open faced criticism earlier in the year when they announced the mixed doubles competition would be designated as a standalone event occurring prior to the commencement of the singles tournament, which is set for August 24. This decision raised eyebrows among fans and players alike, but the initiative seems to emphasize the significance of mixed doubles within the sport.
In total, 16 pairs will engage in fierce competition for a significant prize pool of $1 million (£749,077) at the iconic Flushing Meadows. Special attention will undoubtedly be on Raducanu and Alcaraz, who received a wildcard entry due to their impressive credentials and previous achievements.
Before the mixed doubles tournament kicks off, Alcaraz will be looking to solidify his position as a top player, as he is scheduled to face world number one Jannik Sinner in the Cincinnati Open final on Monday. Sinner, also 24 years old, is participating as a wildcard entrant and has recently partnered with Czech player Katerina Siniakova after his initial partner, American Emma Navarro, withdrew.
As for Draper and Pegula, they have earned their top seed status as both rank within the top five of the singles rankings. The matches will commence on Tuesday, followed by semi-finals and the finals taking place on Wednesday. Innovative rules will facilitate the flow of the matches; only four games will be necessary to win a set, and there will be no advantage scoring. Additionally, the matches will incorporate 10-point match tiebreaks instead of a traditional third set, marking a significant shift in how doubles competitions operate.
In the first round of the mixed doubles draw, fans can anticipate high-stakes encounters, including Raducanu and Alcaraz’s clash with Draper and Pegula. Other intriguing matchups include Novak Djokovic pairing with Olga Danilovic against the duo of Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev. Exciting combinations of players such as Casper Ruud and Iga Swiatek, as well as Gael Monfils and Naomi Osaka, will also take to the courts, showcasing the depth of talent present in both established and emerging players.
Overall, this year’s US Open mixed doubles tournament not only presents a fantastic opportunity for fans to witness thrilling tennis but also spotlights the continued evolution of tennis as a sport that embraces innovative formats and embraces mixed-gender competition. As the buzz builds around the event, spectators eagerly await what promises to be a memorable tournament featuring some of the best names in the game today.
