Raducanu and Draper headline new US Open mixed doubles

British number ones Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper join a redesigned US Open mixed doubles event in New York.

Raducanu and Draper Set for New US Open Mixed Doubles

Raducanu, 22, is paired with Carlos Alcaraz, while Draper, 23, teams with Jessica Pegula after their original partners, Tommy Paul and Paula Badosa, withdrew. The two-day event at Flushing Meadows runs on August 19 and 20, featuring 16 pairs and a prize fund of $1 million. Raducanu and Alcaraz have wildcard entries, while Draper and Pegula qualified directly and occupy top seeding positions.

Organisers faced sharp criticism in February for turning mixed doubles into a standalone event ahead of the singles draw that begins on August 24. The format is compact: matches use four games to win a set, games use no-advantage scoring with four points needed to win a game, and 10-point tie-breaks replace a final set in all rounds through the final.

The standalone event illustrates a broader push to monetize doubles and broaden its appeal by pairing well-known singles players with doubles specialists. It also raises questions about player workload and whether a two-day sprint can sustain audience interest without diluting the value of the doubles game.

If the aim is to grow the doubles audience, the risk is unclear gains versus a crowded calendar and potential fatigue for top players. For fans, the novelty could boost engagement, but traditionalists may worry about the schedule and the long-term viability of a standalone format.

Highlights

The outcome will shape whether this two-day showcase becomes a lasting feature or a one-time experiment.