NEW YORK — The 2024 US Open’s new, polarising mixed doubles event kicked off with a bang and a major upset as the marquee pairing of Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz were eliminated in a thrilling first-round encounter. Despite the loss, the star-studded duo, playing under the electrifying lights of Louis Armstrong Stadium, delivered a spectacle that captivated the Flushing Meadows crowd and provided a memorable start to the tournament’s experimental format.
The US Open’s decision to revamp mixed doubles by introducing a condensed, 16-team draw with a significant $500,000 prize purse for the winners was met with both excitement and skepticism. Designed to attract the sport’s biggest singles stars who typically skip the event, the gamble paid its first dividend by securing the commitment of two of the game's most magnetic young talents. The buzz surrounding the "Raducaraz" pairing was palpable from the moment their joint entry was confirmed, creating a must-see atmosphere usually reserved for the latter stages of a Grand Slam.
A Clash of Styles and Generations
Their opponents, the experienced and specialist doubles team of Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Jamie Murray, presented the ultimate first-round test. Mattek-Sands, a former mixed doubles champion at Flushing Meadows, and Murray, a two-time winner himself, embodied the classic, net-rushing doubles ethos. This set up a fascinating contrast against the raw, power-based singles games of Raducanu and Alcaraz. The match did not disappoint, living up to its blockbuster billing with a display of breathtaking shot-making and tense momentum swings.
The first set was a masterclass from the veterans, who used their superior teamwork and court positioning to disrupt the rhythm of their illustrious opponents. Murray’s deft volleys and Mattek-Sands’ powerful returns quickly put the young pair on the back foot. However, Raducanu and Alcaraz stormed back to take the second set, showcasing the individual brilliance that has made them Grand Slam champions. Alcaraz’s blistering passing shots and Raducanu’s crisp groundstrokes brought the New York faithful to their feet, roaring their approval with every winner.
The match tiebreak, used in lieu of a third set in the new format, was a heart-stopping affair. Ultimately, experience prevailed over star power. A crucial missed volley at 7-7 gave Mattek-Sands and Murray their first match point, which they converted to seal a 6-3, 3-6, [10-7] victory. Despite the loss, the atmosphere was one of celebration for the effort on display. Alcaraz, ever the sportsman, praised his opponents and the crowd, stating, "They played unbelievable, you know? Jamie at the net, Bethanie with the returns... it was so difficult for us. But we had fun, and the crowd was amazing."
The New Format: Innovation or Gimmick?
The early exit of its biggest drawcards immediately puts the spotlight on the US Open’s new mixed doubles initiative. The tournament’s goals were clear:
- Increase Star Power: Lure top singles players with a shorter commitment.
- Boost Profile: Generate more fan and media interest in the event.
- Create Buzz: Deliver high-octane matches from the first round.
By that measure, the first day was an unqualified success. The match was featured on a premier show court and drew a raucous, engaged audience. However, critics argue the format is a superficial fix. They point to the swift defeat of Raducanu and Alcaraz as evidence that the nuanced skills of doubles, honed over years of partnership and specific practice, cannot be easily replicated, even by the most gifted singles players. The question remains: is one marquee first-round match enough to sustain the event's prestige, or does it risk being seen as a sideshow?
Stealing Hearts and Winning Over New York
While their campaign was brief, Raducanu and Alcaraz’s foray into mixed doubles achieved something perhaps more valuable than a deep run: it humanized them. The pair were seen laughing at missed shots, strategizing intensely between points, and celebrating each other's winners with genuine joy. For Raducanu, in particular, it showcased a lighter side often obscured by the immense pressure she carries on the singles court. Their obvious enjoyment was infectious, winning over any remaining skeptics in the crowd.
Raducanu reflected on the experience positively, emphasizing the unique pressure and fun of the format. "It's completely different. There's a different kind of pressure, it's more about sharing the court with someone else and trying to work together. Carlos is such a great player and so fun to play with. We would have loved to win, of course, but I think we put on a good show and the support was incredible."
What’s Next for the Duo and the Draw
With their mixed doubles adventure over, both players can now focus entirely on their singles campaigns. Alcaraz, the defending champion and third seed, continues his quest for a second consecutive title. Raducanu, playing some of her most confident tennis since her fairytale 2021 triumph here, will look to continue her momentum deep into the second week. The brief partnership, however, has left fans and pundits alike yearning for a potential repeat in the future.
As for the mixed doubles event, it soldiers on without its headline act. The draw remains packed with quality, featuring other intriguing pairings like Jessica Pegula with Austin Krajicek and top seeds Storm Hunter and Matthew Ebden. The success of the experiment will now be judged on the quality of the remaining matches and whether the initial burst of attention translates into lasting engagement for the discipline.
In the end, the story was not about who won or lost, but about the spectacle itself. Raducanu and Alcaraz may have bowed out early, but they fulfilled the tournament's primary objective: they made people watch. They brought a jolt of electricity to a often-overlooked event and reminded everyone that at its heart, tennis is a game meant to be enjoyed. As the New York crowd gave them a standing ovation, it was clear that in the city that never sleeps, sometimes the biggest winners are the ones who provide the most memorable moments.