The US Open is set for a thrilling new chapter as the all-star mixed doubles event makes its debut in New York, and the opening round delivers a headline clash right away, with top seeds Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper taking on Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu.
For Pegula, this marks another chance to showcase her doubles pedigree, having previously climbed to World No. 1 in the format, while Draper continues to ride the momentum of his steady rise on the ATP Tour. Alcaraz comes into New York fresh off a Cincinnati title run, while Raducanu is still finding her best level after injuries.
Jessica Pegula, Jack Draper vs Emma Raducanu, Carlos Alcaraz Match Details
- Date: Aug. 19, 2025
- Tournament: U.S. Open
- Round: Round of 16
- Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York City
- Category: Grand Slam
- Surface: Outdoor hard
- Live telecast: ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV
Head-to-Head Records
Jack Draper vs. Carlos Alcaraz
- Matches won: Alcaraz leads 4–2
- Most recent meeting: Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia), May 14, 2025, where Alcaraz won 6-4, 6-4.
- Notable recent match: Indian Wells 2025 semifinal, where Draper beat Alcaraz to reach his first Masters 1000 final.
Jessica Pegula vs. Emma Raducanu
- Matches won: Pegula leads 2–1
- Most recent meeting: Miami Open (March 27, 2025), quarterfinal, where Pegula won 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2.
Pegula, Draper vs Raducanu, Alcaraz Prediction
All four players bring strong credentials on hard courts, but Alcaraz enters with the most dominant record of the group. In 2025, the Spaniard has a remarkable 54–6 record (89%) across surfaces, fresh off a title in Cincinnati, and remains one of the most reliable performers on hard courts.
Raducanu has also produced positive results on the surface this season, posting a 13–9 record (≈61%), a notable step forward as she rebuilds consistency after injuries. On the other side, Pegula has gone 22–9 (77%) in 2025 on hard courts, while Draper holds a 13-3 mark. The numbers suggest all four are comfortable on the surface, though Alcaraz’s dominance clearly stands out.
Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz will team up in mixed doubles at the upcoming #USOpen 🤝
Here’s what they said about each other’s game 😄#BBCTennis pic.twitter.com/H3G31kvY24
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 18, 2025
Serving efficiency could play a decisive role in mixed doubles, where holding serve is vital to short sets. Draper secured a 62.8% first-serve rate this year, averaging 5.8 aces per match with under two double faults, a strong foundation for a doubles format. Alcaraz, however, offers a more reliable package under pressure, with a 65.7% first-serve percentage and 4.3 aces per match, while regularly raising his level in key moments.
Raducanu’s serve is more erratic, averaging 3.2 aces but also 3.1 double faults per match, though her overall hold percentage remains competitive.
Considering both recent form and statistical output, the edge lies with Alcaraz and Raducanu. Alcaraz’s commendable form on hard courts, combined with his serve reliability and ability to dictate play, is a difference-maker in short-format sets. Raducanu’s aggressive baseline play and improving consistency are also enough to back the game.
Prediction: Alcaraz, Raducanu to win in straight sets
