(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Carlos Alcaraz Heads to US Open Mixed Doubles After Cincinnati Triumph
Fresh off his first Cincinnati Masters title, Carlos Alcaraz wasted no time celebrating before heading to New York for the US Open mixed doubles event. The 22-year-old Spaniard enjoyed a team dinner in Cincinnati before catching a flight, ready to compete alongside Emma Raducanu despite a packed schedule.
Alcaraz Embraces the Mixed Doubles Challenge
For Alcaraz, the newly introduced mixed doubles tournament is both a fun opportunity and a key preparation ahead of the singles competition. While he acknowledges that the tight schedule is not ideal, the five-time Major winner is eager to take on the challenge.
“I think it’s a great thing. The scheduling could have been better, but I like the idea of the tournament and mixed doubles. It’s a new experience, and I will have a lot of fun competing alongside Emma, even though it will be tough against Draper and Pegula,” said Alcaraz.
Cincinnati Victory Boosts Confidence
Alcaraz secured his first Cincinnati Masters trophy after Jannik Sinner retired while trailing 5-0 in the opening set. The win helped him close the gap on Sinner in the ATP rankings and puts him on track to regain the world No. 1 ranking if he advances further than his rival at the US Open.
“I consider the mixed doubles event an important and positive preparation. I’ll try to give my best tomorrow after arriving in New York and adjust to the court and balls as quickly as possible,” Alcaraz added.
Preparing for the Big Stage
Despite travel fatigue and a late arrival, Alcaraz is determined to make the most of his US Open debut in mixed doubles. He plans to rest in New York after departing Cincinnati, but first, he enjoyed a final team dinner, joking about his choice of a hamburger before the journey.
“I do not have much time to do what I want. I will leave Cincinnati tonight and try to get as much sleep in New York as possible. But first, I’ll enjoy this last dinner with my team,” Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz’s combination of skill, determination, and enthusiasm for mixed doubles makes him a player to watch at the 2025 US Open, both in singles and alongside Raducanu in the new event.
