Emma Raducanu and Elena Rybakina squeezed through their doubles debut, but fans are not sure about the British star’s doubles technique ahead of the US Open.
Raducanu is set to team with Alcaraz at the US Open and her doubles technique is being honed alongside Grand Slam winner Elena Rybakina at the Washington Open.
Rybakina and Raducanu suffered from a lack of chemistry early on, but managed to come back from a set down to secure their place in the second round.
Nevertheless, tennis fans spotted several things that might be an issue in the highly anticipated Raducanu and Alcaraz partnership.
Fans unconvinced by Emma Raducanu’s doubles play
Fans were unsure about Raducanu’s doubles display and spotted several aspects of her game she needs to work on.
“Raducanu needs to work on Court awareness in doubles,” said one fan on X during her match alongside Rybakina.
Another said: “Some of the Raducanu net play in this doubles with Rybakina is horrific!”, while one wrote: “Raducanu and Rybakina are trying to play doubles like singles!”
Another fan was typically blunt about Raducanu’s play, stating: “Rybakina and Raducanu are an atrocious doubles team.”
Raducanu’s win means she will have a packed schedule in Washington. The star is set to start her singles campaign against World No. 26 Marta Kostyuk on July 22.
Raducanu and Rybakina will play the winner of the first round clash between Giuliana Olmos and Aldila Sutjiadi vs Miyu Kato and Wu Fang-hsien.
How Emma Raducanu can earn a seed at the US Open
The British star has a huge opportunity at the next few tournaments to try and earn a seed at the next Grand Slam.
Raducanu is defending a few points at the hard court tournaments ahead of the US Open, with just a quarterfinal position at last year’s Washington Open.
Should she perform well at Montreal and Cincinnati, there’s every chance the British No. 3 can sneak into the top 32.
Raducanu did not play either tournament ahead of the US Open 2024, meaning she could cause a big swing in the rankings.