Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz made headlines when they announced their doubles partnership for the US Open, but scheduling could scupper those plans.
Alcaraz and Raducanu broke the internet with the announcement, and fans can’t wait to see the two giants of the sport team up.
Raducanu has teamed with Elena Rybakina ahead of the US Open, but the British star’s busy schedule could stop her much-anticipated partnership with Alcaraz.
This is how Alcaraz and Raducanu’s high-profile partnership could be ruined before it’s even started.
The Cincinnati Open could halt Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu’s doubles team
The US Open Mixed Doubles Championship has been slotted between the Cincinnati Open and the singles draw from the Grand Slam, which could cause problems for some of the big name players.
The Cincinnati Open’s final takes place on Monday, August 18, just a day before the US Open doubles tournament is set to start.
That means that should Raducanu or Alcaraz get to the final of the ATP 1000 event, they’ll have mere hours to travel and prepare for the doubles tournament.
Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the Canadian Open means he’s increasingly more likely to play the Cincinnati event.
Raducanu, meanwhile, is desperate to get into the top 32 ahead of the US Open so she can earn a seed for the Grand Slam.
Both players’ singles hopes could end up hampering their progress as an incredibly popular doubles team.
Emma Raducanu’s thoughts on Carlos Alcaraz
Raducanu and Alcaraz have known each other since they were teenagers and the British star has revealed how that has helped them form a connection.
“We really value those connections that we had from when we were young,” said Raducanu at a Wimbledon press conference in July.
The former US Open champion also described her friendship with the Spaniard as ‘a real genuine connection’.
It remains to be seen whether the two popular stars will still be able to form their anticipated doubles partnership.