Latest news with #FanWeek
7NEWS
29-07-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka, Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter omitted from new US Open mixed doubles draw
A mixed doubles pairing featuring Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka looks like box office, and the love-doubles of Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter is another to catch the eye. Neither duo, however, has been accepted by US Open organisers for their revamped mixed doubles format. Venus Williams, however, is in, the 45-year-old fresh from last week's comeback after a year off the circuit, along with a pairing sure to reignite gossip in the British tabloids: Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz. The remodelled 16-team mixed doubles is designed to attract attention of fans, sponsors, television and social media. Taking place in the Fan Week ahead of the main US Open it has a short format and prize money lifted to a $US 1 million ($A1.5m). Eight pairs qualify on the strength of their combined singles rankings, the other eight are given wildcards by the US Tennis Association. The qualifiers and six of the wildcards were announced on Tuesday. Which means two slots remain open — offering hope to Kyrgios, de Minaur and their partners. One could actually be on hold for Kyrgios to confirm his fitness. After his comeback playing doubles with Gael Monfils at the DC Open in Washington last week he posted on social media his knee was 'cooked', but he did complete the match. Another may be being kept open for women's world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, who was partnered with Grigor Dimitrov - but the Bulgarian sustained a pectoral muscle injury while leading eventual winner Jannik Sinner by two sets to love at Wimbledon. Other contenders are Italian duo Jasmine Paolini (nine) and Lorenzo Musetti (10), who were the odd pair out of the three whose combined ranking was 19; Katerina Siniakova and Marcelo Arevalo, who were the women's and men's doubles No.1s until this week when Tayor Townsend usurped Siniakova; or Canadian Olympic bronze medallists Gaby Dabrowski and Felix Auger-Aliassime. DC Open singles winner De MInaur (eight) is the highest ranked man not in the event. Last year's US Open mixed doubles champions, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who dismissed the new format as a 'pseudo-exhibition focused only on entertainment and show' that would shut out true doubles players, have been given a wildcard. So has Novak Djokovic partnering Olga Danilovic. Briton Jack Draper, who was going to play alongside Zheng Qinwen, now partners Paula Badosa, who was going to play with her boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas. However, Zheng is injured while Badosa has broken up with Tsitsipas. They qualify on ranking, Badosa/Tsitsipas would have needed a wildcard. Williams, who will play with fellow American Reilly Opelka, won one match each in singles and doubles in Washington after not competing anywhere since the Miami Open in March 2024. She has won 16 doubles grand slam titles, 14 in women's doubles with her younger sister Serena, two in mixed doubles. US Open mixed doubles pairings Qualified (singles ranking in brackets) Emma Navarro (11) & Jannik Sinner (1) Paula Badosa (10) & Jack Draper (5) Iga Swiatek (3) & Casper Ruud (13) Elena Rybakina (12) & Taylor Fritz (4) Amanda Anisimova (7) & Holger Rune (9) Belinda Bencic (15*) & Alexander Zverev (3) Jessica Pegula (4) & Tommy Paul (15) Mirra Andreeva (5) & Daniil Medvedev (14) *protected ranking Wildcards Venus Williams & Reilly Opelka Emma Raducanu & Carlos Alcaraz Madison Keys & Frances Tiafoe Olga Danilovic & Novak Djokovic Taylor Townsend & Ben Shelton Sara Errani & Andrea Vavassori.
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
US Open omits Kyrgios-Osaka, de Minaur-Boulter duos
A mixed doubles pairing featuring Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka looks like box office, and the love-doubles of Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter is another to catch the eye. Neither duo, however, has been accepted by US Open organisers for their revamped mixed doubles format. Venus Williams, however, is in, the 45-year-old fresh from last week's comeback after a year off the circuit, along with a pairing sure to reignite gossip in the British tabloids: Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz. The remodelled 16-team mixed doubles is designed to attract attention of fans, sponsors, television and social media. Taking place in the Fan Week ahead of the main US Open it has a short format and prize money lifted to a $US 1 million ($A1.5m). Eight pairs qualify on the strength of their combined singles rankings, the other eight are given wildcards by the US Tennis Association. The qualifiers and six of the wildcards were announced on Tuesday. Which means two slots remain open - offering hope to Kyrgios, de Minaur and their partners. One could actually be on hold for Kyrgios to confirm his fitness. After his comeback playing doubles with Gael Monfils at the DC Open in Washington last week he posted on social media his knee was "cooked", but he did complete the match. Another may be being kept open for women's world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, who was partnered with Grigor Dimitrov - but the Bulgarian sustained a pectoral muscle injury while leading eventual winner Jannik Sinner by two sets to love at Wimbledon. Other contenders are Italian duo Jasmine Paolini (9) and Lorenzo Musetti (10), who were the odd pair out of the three whose combined ranking was 19; Katerina Siniakova and Marcelo Arevalo, who were the women's and men's doubles No.1s until this week when Tayor Townsend usurped Siniakova; or Canadian Olympic bronze medallists Gaby Dabrowski and Felix Auger-Aliassime. DC Open singles winner De MInaur (8) is the highest ranked man not in the event. Last year's US Open mixed doubles champions, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who dismissed the new format as a "pseudo-exhibition focused only on entertainment and show" that would shut out true doubles players, have been given a wildcard. So has Novak Djokovic partnering Olga Danilovic. Briton Jack Draper, who was going to play alongside Zheng Qinwen, now partners Paula Badosa, who was going to play with her boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas. However, Zheng is injured while Badosa has broken up with Tsitsipas. They qualify on ranking, Badosa/Tsitsipas would have needed a wildcard. Williams, who will play with fellow American Reilly Opelka, won one match each in singles and doubles in Washington after not competing anywhere since the Miami Open in March 2024. She has won 16 doubles grand slam titles, 14 in women's doubles with her younger sister Serena, two in mixed doubles. US OPEN MIXED DOUBLES PAIRINGS Qualified (singles ranking in brackets) Emma Navarro (11) & Jannik Sinner (1) Paula Badosa (10) & Jack Draper (5) Iga Swiatek (3) & Casper Ruud (13) Elena Rybakina (12) & Taylor Fritz (4) Amanda Anisimova (7) & Holger Rune (9) Belinda Bencic (15*) & Alexander Zverev (3) Jessica Pegula (4) & Tommy Paul (15) Mirra Andreeva (5) & Daniil Medvedev (14) *protected ranking Wildcards Venus Williams & Reilly Opelka Emma Raducanu & Carlos Alcaraz Madison Keys & Frances Tiafoe Olga Danilovic & Novak Djokovic Taylor Townsend & Ben Shelton Sara Errani & Andrea Vavassori. with AP
Perth Now
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
US Open omits Kyrgios-Osaka, de Minaur-Boulter duos
A mixed doubles pairing featuring Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka looks like box office, and the love-doubles of Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter is another to catch the eye. Neither duo, however, has been accepted by US Open organisers for their revamped mixed doubles format. Venus Williams, however, is in, the 45-year-old fresh from last week's comeback after a year off the circuit, along with a pairing sure to reignite gossip in the British tabloids: Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz. The remodelled 16-team mixed doubles is designed to attract attention of fans, sponsors, television and social media. Taking place in the Fan Week ahead of the main US Open it has a short format and prize money lifted to a $US 1 million ($A1.5m). Eight pairs qualify on the strength of their combined singles rankings, the other eight are given wildcards by the US Tennis Association. The qualifiers and six of the wildcards were announced on Tuesday. Which means two slots remain open - offering hope to Kyrgios, de Minaur and their partners. One could actually be on hold for Kyrgios to confirm his fitness. After his comeback playing doubles with Gael Monfils at the DC Open in Washington last week he posted on social media his knee was "cooked", but he did complete the match. Another may be being kept open for women's world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, who was partnered with Grigor Dimitrov - but the Bulgarian sustained a pectoral muscle injury while leading eventual winner Jannik Sinner by two sets to love at Wimbledon. Other contenders are Italian duo Jasmine Paolini (9) and Lorenzo Musetti (10), who were the odd pair out of the three whose combined ranking was 19; Katerina Siniakova and Marcelo Arevalo, who were the women's and men's doubles No.1s until this week when Tayor Townsend usurped Siniakova; or Canadian Olympic bronze medallists Gaby Dabrowski and Felix Auger-Aliassime. DC Open singles winner De MInaur (8) is the highest ranked man not in the event. Last year's US Open mixed doubles champions, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who dismissed the new format as a "pseudo-exhibition focused only on entertainment and show" that would shut out true doubles players, have been given a wildcard. So has Novak Djokovic partnering Olga Danilovic. Briton Jack Draper, who was going to play alongside Zheng Qinwen, now partners Paula Badosa, who was going to play with her boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas. However, Zheng is injured while Badosa has broken up with Tsitsipas. They qualify on ranking, Badosa/Tsitsipas would have needed a wildcard. Williams, who will play with fellow American Reilly Opelka, won one match each in singles and doubles in Washington after not competing anywhere since the Miami Open in March 2024. She has won 16 doubles grand slam titles, 14 in women's doubles with her younger sister Serena, two in mixed doubles. US OPEN MIXED DOUBLES PAIRINGS Qualified (singles ranking in brackets) Emma Navarro (11) & Jannik Sinner (1) Paula Badosa (10) & Jack Draper (5) Iga Swiatek (3) & Casper Ruud (13) Elena Rybakina (12) & Taylor Fritz (4) Amanda Anisimova (7) & Holger Rune (9) Belinda Bencic (15*) & Alexander Zverev (3) Jessica Pegula (4) & Tommy Paul (15) Mirra Andreeva (5) & Daniil Medvedev (14) *protected ranking Wildcards Venus Williams & Reilly Opelka Emma Raducanu & Carlos Alcaraz Madison Keys & Frances Tiafoe Olga Danilovic & Novak Djokovic Taylor Townsend & Ben Shelton Sara Errani & Andrea Vavassori. with AP
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Keeping it profesh… with a puppy face': What's happening between Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu?
Tennis is often portrayed as all grit, grind, and glory. But as it turns out, it isn't just about healthy rivalry, fierce competition, aces, break points, or the roar of Centre Court. Enter Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, two Grand Slam champions – a pair who, with goofy grins and playful banter, have taken the tennis world by surprise. The rise of ' AlcarCanu ' Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu's on-court professionalism and off-court charm have sparked the ultimate feel-good storyline. They've teamed up for the newly revamped mixed doubles event at the US Open's Fan Week (August 19–20), a high‑profile 16‑team draw with a $1 million prize. Their partnership isn't just a sporting alliance; it's become a fresh reminder that professionalism, at its best, never loses a sense of fun. 'She's going to be the boss!' But now, they're both in charge! Only last week, Carlos, fresh off his epic French Open victory and currently world No. 2, dropped a line that lit up social media: 'She's gonna be the boss!' Yes, he was talking about Emma Raducanu— whom he personally invited to be his mixed doubles partner at the US Open. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Order New Blinds Online & Get $199 Home Installation Learn More Undo Alcaraz emphasized, the decision was 'really fun' and rooted in 'a really good relationship with her.' The one-liner that blew up social media could have easily come off as boastful, but it's clear from his tone that this is all in good spirit. On the other hand, Raducanu didn't blush—she laughed, she teased, and she played along. Emma, not one to be fazed by the banter, replied to his bossy proclamation with a cheeky 'I'd let you pick…' When quizzed on who would make the calls on court, she quipped she'd 'take his lead.' The result? Uncontrollable laughter, cameras rolling, and fans everywhere falling in love with their chemistry. From friendship to flirtation: tastefully done Carlos and Emma's camaraderie didn't begin on the hard courts of New York. At London's Queen's Club, they were grilled by a tennis impersonator doing impressions of legends like Murray, McEnroe, and Nadal—Emma had to dodge a 'kiss/marry/kill' question about Federer/Djokovic/Nadal, and Carlos dissolved into giggles when hearing a cheeky Spanish accent mimicking Rafa. Their mutual support goes deeper than laughs. Emma turned up courtside during Carlos's final, and Carlos responded with a shy grin and said, 'I don't know… a lot of people came to see the final! You have to ask her!' In return, Carlos said he might attend one of EM's upcoming matches if schedules permit—an open door for cheers and high-fives. 'Keeping it profesh… with a puppy face!' Here's the sweet spot: on court, they are fierce competitors—Emma's unleashed fiery groundstrokes, Carlos's dive-for-and-win-it. Off court, they switch into a playful mode that reminds us that even the greatest athletes can have puppy-dog moments. Think of them as business calls with a side of puppy-faces—and I mean puppy-faces literally. The latest exhibit of the phenomenon: Emma was spotted in the stands at Queen's Club on Saturday afternoon, enjoying Carlos' semifinal win over fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut. When Alcaraz was asked about how he felt having the British tennis star in the stands, he said that he couldn't speak with her and that Raducanu's visit was not something they had planned beforehand. In his post-match press conference, Carlos said, 'I saw on social media she came up to watch my match,' the Spaniard said. 'I [am] just glad. I mean, I was focused on the match. I didn't see her (smiling). Just glad that she came to support, to watch my match. Yeah, I think it was great having her in the stands!' Cue to Sparks Fly; Taylor's Version! Star power, coupled with an ingenious PR game Let's face it: this mixed doubles pairing generated headlines not just for their trophies, but because the US Open organizers cleverly curated monster mixed-doubles fields to give fans the thrill of seeing singles powerhouses team up (or fall apart)—including Djokovic/ Danilovic, Osaka/Kyrgios, and Sinner/Navarro. But none captured hearts quite like Alcaraz and Raducanu. Their pairing isn't just social media fodder—it's a smart move by both players and the tournament. He's the reigning Roland Garros champ, she's the breakout 2021 US Open victor—together, they evoke nostalgia, excitement, and star-crossed energy. And they know it. But this is more than marketing; it's mutual admiration. Emma has praised Carlos for being 'genuine and kind off court'—in her eyes, greatness isn't just measured in trophies. Meanwhile, Carlos seems to soften around her—a grin, a blush, amidst all that grit! Jack Draper, another British player who missed out, was surprisingly supportive: 'She chose the best partner in Alcaraz… I don't blame her at all;' a statement which only added more to the already ongoing rumors of a potential romance off the court! What's next? Grit, Grand Slam glory, or just giggles and goofiness? As of now, all signs point to a standout mixed doubles run in New York, August 19–20. With the new format and explosive prize money, they'll be under the spotlight for both play and personality. At Flushing Meadows, expect gasps not just for clutch volleys, but for their shared chuckles, fist bumps, professional finesse, playful banters, synchronized celebrations, and *a lot of* charming content on the internet to swoon on! Wimbedon 2023 Finals: Aamir Khan watches match at Centre Court with Ira Khan; Lara Dutta enjoys the game with Mahesh Bhupathi and daughter Saira One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
West Australian
17-06-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Nick Kyrgios could play mixed doubles with former world No.1 Naomi Osaka in controversial new format at US Open
Nick Kyrgios has signed up to play mixed doubles with former world No.1 Naomi Osaka in the controversial new format being unveiled at the US Open. But Kyrgios and Osaka would need a wildcard to get into the event being played in 'Fan Week' before the main draw. The duo were among a raft of interesting pairings who registered, including former US Open winner Emma Raducanu and French Open champ Carlos Alcaraz. Alex de Minaur and his British fiancee Katie Boulter are also expected to sign up before the July 28 deadline to play the new format, which has so far attracted 16 teams including both world No.1s, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka. The top eight with the best combined singles ranking will be guaranteed a place along with eight wildcard entries. Kyrgios, who is ranked 633rd and has hardly played as he continues to battle injury, and Osaka, ranked 57th, would need a wildcard. Their drawing power, however, could guarantee a spot in the event that rankled traditional doubles players. 'Seeing the teams that have already put their names on the entry list makes us all incredibly excited,' US Tennis Association chief executive Lew Sherr said. 'It shows that the players are behind what we are trying to do, and we know that the fans will love it.' Tournament organisers have radically changed the mixed-doubles format to involve the world's best players. Nine of the world's top-10 women and nine of the world's top-10 men are signed up. The matches will be staged on main courts, including Arthur Ashe, with the scoring system changed. Sets will only be played to four games, there will be a sudden-death deuce and a tie-break at 4-4, with a 10-point tie-break instead of the third set. The entire tournament will be played across just two days.
