Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz ‘dream team’ lasts just 51 MINUTES in first-round exit

Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz have been knocked out of the US Open mixed doubles event in the first round, losing to the team of Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper

Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz have lost to Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper in the first round of the revamped US Open mixed doubles. Raducanu and Alcaraz’s partnership lasted just 51 minutes as Pegula and Draper beat them 4-2 4-2.

The United States Tennis Association revamped the mixed doubles event this year, upping the prize money to $1million (£750,000) to tempt the biggest stars in the sport to enter and the move has been successful.

Raducanu and Alcaraz are among those who decided to enter, with the pair teaming up as a wildcard entry after the Spaniard asked her to be his partner. However, Pegula and Draper are the top seeds and won a highly entertaining clash.

Reflecting on the victory, British No.1 Draper said: “I’ve got a pretty good partner! What an experience playing out here with Jessica against Emma and Carlos. It doesn’t get any better.”

World No.4 Pegula added: “Thanks everyone for showing up, that was such a fun atmosphere. I’ve played doubles a lot but not a lot recently, so that’s always tricky. It was a lot of fun and Jack played great.”

Alcaraz made a 600-mile journey to the event after beating Jannik Sinner in the final of the Cincinnati Masters on Monday, with the Italian unfortunately forced to retire from the clash due to an illness.

There were doubts over whether Alcaraz would be able to team up with Raducanu, but he boarded a private jet with Iga Swiatek after picking up his trophy and speaking to the media to make the trip from Cincinnati to New York.

When asked about the mixed doubles event after his victory in Cincinnati, Alcaraz said: “It’s good. The scheduling is not the best to be honest, playing tomorrow. But the concept of the mixed doubles, I love it.

“It’s going to be new for me, which I love. I’m going to have so much fun, playing with Emma. I will try to enjoy as much as I can. I will try to see how the court is going to be, the balls, everything.

“I will treat it as a really important and good preparation for me. I will try to be at my best tomorrow after the trip to New York. I’m probably going to sleep late, but I will try to bring my best tennis to help Emma get the win then let’s see if we will get it, it’s going to be fun and great to have those matches.”

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