Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu’s US Open hopes questioned in ‘weakest pair’ verdict
Former doubles world No 1 Rennae Stubbs has claimed that Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu are the “weakest pair” in the US Open mixed doubles draw, alongside Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud.
The partnership between Alcaraz and Raducanu attracted huge attention when the initial pairings for August’s revamped mixed doubles tournament at Flushing Meadows were announced.
Among the biggest stars of their generation, Alcaraz and Raducanu’s partnership caught many by surprise, with few expecting the two to pair up.
Speaking at the Queen’s Club last week, world No 2 Alcaraz revealed how excited he was to team up with the 2021 US Open champion.
“She’s gonna be the boss,” said the Spaniard, a five-time Grand Slam singles champion.
“I’m super excited about it. I think it’s going to be great. It was an amazing idea for the tournament.
“I’ve known Emma for a really long time ago, so we know each other. I have a really good relationship with her. We are going to enjoy it, for sure.
“I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if unless it was with Emma. I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me. Yeah, I made that special request.”
However, their hopes have been called into question by Stubbs, a six-time major champion across women’s and mixed doubles – including triumphs in both disciplines at the 2001 US Open.
Speaking on the Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, the Australian claimed that Alcaraz and Raducanu, alongside Swiatek and Ruud, were among the weakest pairings currently entered.
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“I would argue that they [Alcaraz and Raducanu] are – and this is nothing against either of them, just talking from a perspective of doubles everybody, don’t lose your minds, because you all know how I feel about both of them,” said Stubbs.
“I have talked about them both very glowingly over the last couple of years. That is the weakest pair. That and maybe Iga and Casper.
“The only reason is that there is a little bit of a weakness in the doubles aspect. Iga is a great returner, good server. Casper I’m not sure how great he is in the doubles perspective.
“Carlos, I saw him play doubles with Rafa and he was like a little lost puppy out there.
“Didn’t know where to hit the ball half the time or where to stand on the court, and as great a player as he is, and he is arguably the best in the world right now, I don’t know how his doubles acumen is.”
Alcaraz and Raducanu, and Swiatek and Ruud, are among 16 pairings currently entered into the US Open’s mixed doubles event, which will be held in the fan week before singles action gets underway.
Among the big names entered are ATP world No 1 Jannik Sinner, who partners with US top-10 star Emma Navarro, and Novak Djokovic, who pairs up with Serbian compatriot Olga Danilovic.
Multiple American pairings are also confirmed for their home major, including Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe, Jessica Pegula and Tommy Paul, and Ben Shelton and Taylor Townsend.
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