Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz enjoyed a sweet but short run at the US Open mixed doubles, where they lost their opening match.
Raducanu’s partnership with Alcaraz was in doubt in the build-up to the US Open, but they managed to come together in New York.
But their pairing didn’t last long, with Alcaraz and Raducanu losing in the first round to Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper.
Draper called the US Open mixed doubles an exhibition after the win, which they secured after 50 minutes.
The Englishman and the American won 4-2, 4-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, and followed that up with a quarterfinal win over Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev.
Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz exchange messages after US Open mixed doubles loss
They now meet Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud in the US Open mixed doubles semifinals, while Raducanu and Alcaraz have remained in high spirits despite their early exit.
Tagging the Spaniard on Instagram, the Briton shared images of their match with a note in Spanish and English.
Translated into her native tongue, it read: “Crazy!! Thank you partner, had so much fun,” with Alcaraz replying: “Still waiting for those Spanish words… Thank you partner!”
How did Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu perform together?
It’s fair to say that many fans enjoyed watching ATP star Alcaraz and WTA ace Raducanu come together in New York.
That is particularly true of those who attended the match at Arthur Ashe, where plenty of thrilling rallies and fantastic shots were played.
But the exciting duo did fall short against Pegula and Draper, the top seeds who have since proven their chemistry further by reaching the last four.
They beat Andreeva and Medvedev even more convincingly at the same venue shortly after, securing a 4-1, 4-1 win.
| Pegula/Draper | Raducanu/Alcaraz | |
| 2 | Aces | 1 |
| 0 | Double faults | 2 |
| 19/34 (56%) | 1st serve % in | 22/35 (63%) |
| 16/19 (84%) | Win % on 1st serve | 13/22 (59%) |
| 8/15 (53%) | Win % on 2nd serve | 6/13 (46%) |
| 0/0 (0%) | Net points won | 0/0 (0%) |
| 2/7 (29%) | Break points won | 0/2 (0%) |
| 16/35 (46%) | Receiving points won | 10/34 (29%) |
| 16 | Winners | 11 |
| 7 | Unforced errors | 9 |
| 40 | Total points won | 29 |
But a really tough test is now in store against third seeds Swiatek and Ruud, with the Pole like Alcaraz having just won the Cincinnati Open title.
They have also secured two impressive wins at Flushing Meadows, knocking out Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe, along with Caty McNally and Lorenzo Musetti.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
