Emma and Carlos
Emma and Carlos Pinterest

Elena Rybakina is preparing for one of the most dramatic showdowns of her career at the 2025 US Open, a mixed doubles encounter that pits her against Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 3 she once named a dream opponent, and Emma Raducanu, her former partner turned on-court rival.

From Partnership to Rivalry: The Emotional Undercurrent

Until recently, Rybakina and Raducanu were doubles allies. The pair teamed up successfully in Washington earlier this month, cruising into the semi-finals with visible chemistry and mutual respect. Now, just weeks later, they'll face off on opposite sides of the net.

Their mixed doubles match, scheduled for 19 August, sees Rybakina paired with Taylor Fritz, while Raducanu will team up with Alcaraz. For Rybakina, the twist is both ironic and intriguing. Alcaraz is one of the players she publicly expressed a desire to play with earlier this year. That wish will now be realised, but with him as her opponent.

This adds personal stakes to an already high-pressure format. Both women know each other's court instincts, making this more than a tactical battle, it's a mental one too.

A £780,000 ($1 Million) Prize Raises the Stakes

The match is part of a revamped US Open mixed doubles event with a record prize of £780,000 ($1 million) for the winning team. The prize fund dwarfs previous years, the 2024 champions, for example, earned just over £130,000 combined.

The new structure, condensed into two days (19–20 August), is built for speed and spectacle: short sets to four games, no-ad scoring, and 10-point tiebreaks in lieu of full third sets. With only 16 elite pairings accepted, every point carries extra weight.

Alcaraz and Raducanu were granted a wildcard into the draw. Rybakina and Fritz qualified through their singles rankings.

Can Alcaraz and Raducanu Deliver or Will Inexperience Cost Them?

Alcaraz and Raducanu bring star power and youth, but also uncertainty. Neither has a history in professional mixed doubles, and they've never played competitively together before. 'It was his idea', Raducanu revealed this week after her win over Naomi Osaka. Alcaraz, grinning beside her, added: 'She's going to be the boss out there'.

Their friendly rapport has sparked light-hearted online speculation, including fan-made parody accounts chronicling their training sessions and imagined romantic backstories. But beyond the humour, serious questions remain about their ability to execute under tournament pressure.

Raducanu has struggled with injury and rhythm since her 2021 US Open triumph, and while she appears to be regaining confidence, mixed doubles presents a unique set of challenges. Meanwhile, Alcaraz's aggressive baseline game may need adjusting for the faster, more chaotic mixed format.

Rybakina and Fritz Offer Formidable, Balanced Opposition

Unlike their opponents, Rybakina and Fritz bring a mix of calm experience and powerful serving. Rybakina has posted a 13–4 doubles record this season, while Fritz holds one of the ATP Tour's highest first-serve win rates.

Their styles are complementary, Rybakina's composed baseline play and Fritz's sharp net instincts should translate well to the compressed scoring system. Without the distractions of media frenzy, they could quietly dominate.

Scheduling May Disrupt This Blockbuster Tie

The match is set to begin on 19 August, just 24 hours after the Cincinnati Open final. All four players remain active in the singles draw there, raising concerns about fatigue or potential withdrawals.

In previous years, back-to-back scheduling has prompted late changes. However, per US Open officials, all players have confirmed their commitment to the mixed doubles competition.

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