Carlos Alcaraz makes Emma Raducanu decision amid mad 600-mile US Open dash
Carlos Alcaraz WILL partner up with Emma Raducanu after making the 600-mile journey to the US Open. The beaten Wimbledon finalist was announced to be teaming up with Brit in the mixed doubles tournament.
The competition will take place the week before the main tournament. But there were initially some major doubts over whether the pair would be able to play.
Alcaraz, 22, was only in Cincinnati Open action yesterday. He was initially 5-0 up against Jannik Sinner, who eventually retired from the clash due to illness.
Swiftly after claiming his prize and completing his obligatory media duties, Alcaraz boarded a private jet with Iga Swiatek in order to make the doubles tournament. His journey took him over 600 miles from Cincinnati to New York.
Asked about the revamped event ahead of his mammoth journey, Alcaraz said: "It's good. The scheduling is not the best to be honest, playing tomorrow. But the concept of the mixed doubles, I love it.
"It's going to be new for me, which I love. I'm going to have so much fun, playing with Emma. I will try to enjoy as much as I can. I will try to see how the court is going to be, the balls, everything.
"I will treat it as a really important and good preparation for me. I will try to be at my best tomorrow after the trip to New York. I'm probably going to sleep late, but I will try to bring my best tennis to help Emma get the win then let's see if we will get it, it's going to be fun and great to have those matches."
Raducanu and Alcaraz are set to kick off their doubles campaign at 7pm on Tuesday. They have been drawn to face Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula in the opening round.
How will Emma Raducanu do at the US Open this time? Share your predictions in the comments below
Alcaraz's journey comes after he recently joked that Raducanu would be calling the shots in their double-up. He said: 'She's going to be the boss.
'The US Open came to us and gave us the opportunity to play mixed doubles. I'm super excited about it, it's going to be great, it was an amazing idea from the tournament.
"I've known Emma since a long time ago – I have a really good relationship with her so it's going to be interesting. We are going to enjoy [it] for sure, I'll try to put my doubles skills on and we'll try to win.'
Following the conclusion of the mixed doubles event, both Raducanu and Alcaraz will turn their attentions to their singles campaigns. Raducanu has not progressed past the first round since her breakout shock victory in 2021. Meanwhile, Alcaraz won the men's tournament in 2022 but only reached the second round last year.
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