Carlos Alcaraz just won the Cincinnati title, and now he’s in a mad dash to New York. If he wants to play in the mixed doubles event at the US Open, there’s no time to waste.
The timing couldn’t be tighter.
When organizers announced the new format for US Open mixed doubles, it was pretty clear that Cincinnati finalists would have a really tough time making it to New York in time. The schedule just wasn’t realistic.
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Alcaraz | 22 | 68,791 | 25 - 5 |
But here’s the thing – both Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek actually showed up on a private jet together after winning their Cincinnati titles. The question is: will they actually step on court for mixed doubles?
A 20-Minute Title Win
Alcaraz’s path to the Cincinnati title was unusual, to put it mildly. He only needed 20 minutes to claim the trophy after Jannik Sinner retired in the first set.
That quick finish might’ve actually saved him. More time to get to New York.
The mixed doubles draw is already set. Alcaraz will team up with Emma Raducanu to face the top-seeded pair of Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula.
It’s going to be quite a test right out of the gate.
Despite the crazy short turnaround, Alcaraz seems determined to play. When reporters asked him about the tight schedule after his ATP Masters 1000 victory, he didn’t mention withdrawing at all.
“I think it is good. I mean, the scheduling is not the best, playing tomorrow. But the concept of the mixed doubles tournament, I love it. I think it’s going to be something new for me, which I love, I’m going to have so much fun playing there, playing with Emma [Raducanu]. It’s going to be tough against [Jack] Draper and [Jessica] Pegula.”
Smart Strategy or Just for Fun?
Alcaraz is treating this mixed doubles event as more than just a fun exhibition. He’s using it as preparation for the main US Open draw.
Makes sense when you think about it.
“But I will try to enjoy as much as I can. I will try to see how the court, the balls are going to be. I will treat it as an important and good preparation for me. So, I will try to be at my best tomorrow after the trip to New York.”
He wants to get a feel for Arthur Ashe Stadium, where he’ll likely spend a lot of time during the tournament. Testing out the conditions, the balls, the atmosphere – it’s all valuable intel.
“I’m probably going to sleep late, but I will try to put my best tennis to help Emma get the win, and then let’s see if we will get it, but I think it’s going to be fun, and great to have those matches.”
The guy’s being honest about the sleep situation. Flying from Cincinnati to New York on such short notice isn’t exactly ideal for recovery.
Changing the US Open Odds
Before Cincinnati, most people figured Sinner might be the favorite heading into the US Open. He’s the defending champion, after all.
But that final changed things.
Even though Sinner retired early due to injury, Alcaraz’s overall form in Cincinnati was impressive. His chances of winning the US Open have definitely improved in the eyes of many tennis watchers.
The mixed doubles event could give us an early preview of how both players are feeling as they head into the main draw. For Alcaraz, it’s a chance to shake off any travel fatigue and get comfortable on the New York courts.
Whether this crazy schedule helps or hurts his US Open chances remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure – it’s going to be an interesting few days in New York.
