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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
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Flo Clifford and Jamie Braidwood

US Open live: Raducanu-Alcaraz in controversial new mixed doubles event after Jannik Sinner withdraws

The new, and controversial, US Open mixed doubles event is underway with big names and star players set to headline the tournament.

Among them are Carlos Alcaraz, fresh from his win at the Cincinnati Open, and British No. 1 Emma Raducanu, who will partner each other over the two days of the competition. The top-seeded pair features British No 1 Jack Draper alongside Jessica Pegula, who face Alcaraz and Raducanu in the round-of-16.

The new-look mixed doubles in New York will be staged on the two biggest courts – Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong – over Tuesday 19 August and Wednesday 20 August with the $1m on offer for the champion prize. The revamped format, and its disregard for doubles specialists, has proved controversial, however.

Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the event, as he had been expected to after the World No. 1 pulled out of the Cincinnati final through illness partway through the opening set with Alcaraz leading 5-0. Sinner is fully focused on recovering in time for the US Open singles.

Follow all the latest updates from the US Open with our live blog below:

US Open live

  • The controversial US Open mixed doubles event is underway
  • Jannik Sinner withdraws after pulling out of Cincinnati Open final with illness
  • Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu headline two-day event
  • Stars due to face Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula in round of 16
  • Why is revamped US Open mixed doubles so controversial?

Swiatek/Ruud into semi-finals

19:37 , Flo Clifford

And over on Arthur Ashe, Swiatek and Ruud have made light work of McNally and Musetti, winning 4-1 4-2.

With these two quarter-finals over, it’s almost time for the Battle of the Brits: Jack Draper and partner Jessica Pegula will play Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu next.

Errani/Vavassori move one step closer to defending their crown

19:34 , Flo Clifford

Vavassori’s reflexes are just stunning as he recovers from a Rublev body serve, firing away at the net to retrieve one point of the deficit. The pair share a nice hug at the net.

Now the Italian pair roar as they nullify the mini-break entirely, Errani’s deft touch coaxing an error from Rublev, who fires long for 4-4.

“Forza” shouts Errani as she lobs to lead 5-4. Vavassori has two serves... their opponents send it long to hand the Italians match point.

Rublev goes long again and the Italians are into the semi-finals! The pair bump heads and scream with delight. It means an enormous amount to these two. 4-1, 5-4.

Tie-break to decide second set

19:30 , Flo Clifford

Errani holds to send this one to a tie-break. Over on Arthur Ashe, Swiatek/Ruud lead 3-2 in another close second set.

And it’s Muchova and Rublev who get an early mini-break, the Czech lobbing the ball over the head of Vavassori.

An error from the Italian sees them fall 3-1 behind, and Muchova blasts a cross-court forehand which skims past Rublev, stunning her partner! He grins and gestures as if to say it nearly took his ear off.

They lead 4-2 at the change of ends.

Crunch time on Louis Armstrong

19:24 , Flo Clifford

The crowd goes wild! Muchova and Rublev dig very, very deep in the Czech’s service game over on Louis Armstrong, withstanding a barrage at the net to dink the ball over the net and seal the deciding point for 4-3. The pair look very relieved and celebrate passionately.

On serve in second set

19:14 , Flo Clifford

A spirited Muchova volley lands splat in the middle of the court and we remain on serve in this one, with the Czech and Rublev leading 3-2.

Swiatek/Ruud and McNally/Musetti are locked at 1-1 in the second as both matches prove more competitive.

Specialists on top

19:03 , Flo Clifford

Errani and Vavassori duly take the first set 4-1, as do Swiatek and Ruud by the same scoreline. Both teams are speeding through this one; Vavassori holds to 15 with a quick service game for 1-1 in the second set.

Italians motoring through

18:53 , Flo Clifford

After going down an early break Errani and Vavassori are well in control of this one, leading 3-1 as they break the Muchova serve.

Over in the other quarter-final, Swiatek and Ruud lead McNally and Musetti 2-1.

Errani/Vavassori lead

18:48 , Flo Clifford

Errani and Vavassori respond by immediately breaking back, breaking the Rublev serve. They clearly mean business.

The Czech/Russian pair trouble them a little on Errani’s serve, but a Rublev error puts the fired-up Italians in front, 2-1 up.

Quarter-finals underway

18:41 , Flo Clifford

And after about ten minutes, it’s time for the first of today’s quarter-finals. Muchova and Rublev take on Errani and Vavassori.

And it’s Muchova and Rublev who strike first, breaking the Vavassori serve!

Swiatek/Ruud beat Tiafoe/Keys

18:30 , Flo Clifford

Very efficient from third seeds Casper Ruud and Iga Swiatek, who beat another all-American pair in Frances Tiafoe and Madison Keys. 4-2, 4-1 in 39 minutes. Formats may change, but Swiatek scorelines stay the same.

It’s the Pole who seals the deal with a fine stroke than dips just inside the baseline. They’ll face Caty McNally/Lorenzo Musetti in just a few minutes.

“She’s on a winning train these days and I’m just jumping on the train,” Ruud says of his partner. Both add that having played against each other in the United Cup, they had an idea of how they would work as a pairing, despite the lack of preparation time.

Rublev/Muchova to play Errani/Vavassori

18:25 , Flo Clifford

“We came out here to have fun, Reilly his serves - I think we made one return, maybe two!” Muchova says.

“Karolina did unbelievable things,” Rublev says of his partner’s performance, “I don’t know how many players from men’s tour can do this. I have no idea what I’m doing when I’m playing but I’m trying to do my job!” the Russian adds.

The pair will return to action in only a few minutes to take on a daunting task: Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori.

Rublev/Muchova seal place in second round

18:18 , Flo Clifford

Muchova steals a rare point off the Opelka serve as she forces Williams into a net error, and Rublev looks amazed.

He thinks he’s won the match with a brilliant serve-and-smash combo, but will play at least one more point! Laughs all round.

Match point... Opelka nets a second serve, and the Americans are out! 4-2, 5-4(7-4).

Muchova/Rublev on top

18:14 , Flo Clifford

Screams of delight from the crowd as Muchova/Rublev and Williams/Opelka get into a tense, tight, net exchange, with the Czech forcing an error from Williams to lead 2-1 in this tiebreak.

Rublev bows down in appreciation of his partner’s brilliance, before blasting a return at Williams, forcing another error for an early mini-break.

The Americans pull one back but Muchova plays a stunningly deft low volley, with Rublev slamming away a smash to lead 4-2.

Tie-break!

18:09 , Flo Clifford

Muchova holds serve to 15 for 4-4 and a seven-point tiebreak will be played to settle this set.

Ruud fires third seeds to first set

18:02 , Flo Clifford

Iga Swiatek certainly doesn’t look hampered by her less than 24 hour turnaround from winning Cincinnati to playing in New York. She and Casper Ruud take the first set 4-1 against Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe, the Norwegian firing down an ace to seal it.

In the other match, Williams hits long and Rublev/Muchova level things at 3-3 in the second set. First to five games now, but if it goes to 4-4, there will be a tiebreak.

On serve in second set

17:52 , Flo Clifford

Opelka and Williams dig themselves out of trouble in the second set, winning a deciding point - to raucous applause from the partisan crowd - to move 2-1 ahead, on serve.

Over on Arthur Ashe, third seeds Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud are an early break up against Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe.

Rublev and Muchova seal first set

17:40 , Flo Clifford

Oohs and ahhs from the crowd as Rublev and Muchova produce some delightful tennis to take the first set 4-2. This makeshift pair has combined well so far, with Muchova’s net ability and craftiness complementing the ferocity of Rublev’s groundstrokes. A tidy volley from the Russian seals the set.

Muchova/Rublev lead Williams/Opelka

17:35 , Flo Clifford

Over on Louis Armstrong, Karolina Muchova’s guile has put her and Andrey Rublev against 45-year-old Venus Williams and her partner Reilly Opelka - a man who has notably poured scorn on doubles in the past.

The big American batters down some aces, finishing with a second-serve ace, to keep their deficit to just one break at 3-2.

GAME, SET AND MATCH! McNally/Musetti 5-3 4-2 Osaka/Monfils

17:24 , Jamie Braidwood

We have our second winners of the day! And it’s a eye-catching partnership between Caty McNally, a two-time grand slam doubles finalist, and Lorenzo Musetti that prevails over Naomi Osaka and Gael Monfils, who are smiling and laughing as they leave the court.

Certainly, McNally and Musetti look to be a serious doubles partnership, despite only meeting a few days ago, with some potential to go the distance. I don’t think Osaka and Monfils are too concerned to be out already as they take a selfie before leaving the court.

McNally and Musett go up against either Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud or Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe next.

USA's Caty McNally and Italy's Lorenzo Musetti (AFP/Getty)

Andrea Vavassori: 'We were playing for the doubles teams who could not be here'

17:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Well, Andrea Vavassori basically just confirmed what I was wondering in the last post.

The Italian says during his post-match interview: “We were playing for the doubles teams who could not be here.”

I think they could take some stopping, despite the star power of some of the singles players in the draw.

They will take on either Venus Williams and Reilly Opelka or Karolina Muchova and Andrey Rublev, who are up next.

Venus Williams is obviously a huge draw as she returns to the US Open at the age of 45.

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Errani/Vavassori 4-2 4-2 Rybakina/Fritz

16:56 , Jamie Braidwood

The defending champions go marching on! A big win for the Italian doubles partners Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who dump out Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina. They were certainly playing with some heat, and one suspects they were playing for all the doubles players who have been excluded form this revamped competition.

They were excellent, and fly through to the quarter-finals in just over 40 minutes. Huge celebrations and a butt of the heads between the pair as Vavassori lands a smash. 4-2 4-2.

Errani and Vavassori move one game away

16:53 , Jamie Braidwood

Stirring stuff from Errani and Vavassori as they bring up three break points with a brilliantly constructed points against the Fritz serve. The American saves three in a row behind serve, with two aces, but Rybakina then frames a volley at the net!

Errani and Vavassori will serve for the match next, with Vavassori to serve.

FIRST SET! Errani and Vavassori strike first!

16:34 , Jamie Braidwood

We have our first completed set in the US Open mixed doubles - a reminder that the format is best-of-three sets to four games - and it goes the way of the defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. The Italian pair convert the only break to lead Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina, the scoreline 4-2 in the first set.

The defending champions and doubles specialist are playing with a point to prove.

US Open mixed doubles

16:28 , Jamie Braidwood

Brilliant early point in the Musetti/McNally vs Monfils/Osaka match! Osaka first with the big forehand down the line, defended well by Musetti at the back of the court. Eventually, Monfils was able to put the overhead away.

US Open mixed doubles

16:25 , Jamie Braidwood

Some interesting observations from the match of Arthur Ashe early on, including Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti serving faster balls at Gael Monfils than Naomi Osaka. The Olympic bronze medalist took almost 50mph off his serve when serving to Osaka.

And the doubles specialist in this match, Caty McNally, is being the most decisive player at the net. A few misses so far from the American, but the movement and sense of where to be in position is clearly way ahead of the other three, who are far more accustomed to singles.

An update from Jannik Sinner after pulling out of US Open mixed doubles

16:12 , Jamie Braidwood

A post from Jannik Sinner confirming that he is looking forward to resting “for a couple of days” after pulling out of the US Open mixed doubles before “getting back to work”.

Players on court ahead of start of US Open mixed doubles

16:08 , Jamie Braidwood

To be fair, for all the critics that the new US Open mixed double event has had, there are plenty of fans in the Arthur Ashe Arena for the start of play. Perhaps a lot of fans who wouldn’t get the chance to take in the US Open during the fortnight, too.

It’s not sold-out, are there are some more empty seats on Louis Armstrong, but a decent turnout.

US Open mixed doubles getting underway soon

15:57 , Jamie Braidwood

So the first couple of matches of the new-look US Open mixed doubles are about to begin. On Arthur Ashe, we have former US Open singles champion Naomi Osaka partnering the entertaining and ever popular Gael Monfils, who stepped in to replace Nick Kyrgios. They are in action against Caty McNally and Lorenzo Musetti.

But the match to look out for is the one involving the doubles specialists and defending US Open mixed champions, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who are up against singles players in Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina.

Errani and Vavassori were very outspoken in their criticism of the new event - so this is something of a grudge match for them.

Matches coming up:

Naomi Osaka/Gael Monfils vs Caty McNally/Lorenzo Musetti

Sara Errani/Andrea Vavassori vs Elena Rybakina/Taylor Fritz (2)

All-American pair replace Sinner and Siniakova

15:46 , Flo Clifford

Sinner and Siniakova’s place in the mixed doubles draw has been confirmed in double-quick time: the all-American pair of Danielle Collins, a former top-10 player, and the 17th-ranked men’s doubles player Christian Harrison have taken their spot.

Full US Open mixed doubles draw

15:43 , Flo Clifford

Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal means a different team entirely will play Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev later today.

British No 1 Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula are the top seeds in New York, anchoring the top half of the draw, with former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and last year’s US Open singles semi-finalist Taylor Fritz the second seeds, in the opposite half.

Fresh from her triumph in Cincinnati, Iga Swiatek is still set to play this week and partners Casper Ruud; the pair are the third seeds. Amanda Anismova and Holger Rune completed the seeded pairings.

Jannik Sinner withdraws from mixed doubles

15:26 , Flo Clifford

It’s official: Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the mixed doubles tournament this week.

The US Open stated: “The team of Jannik Sinner and Katerina Siniakova has withdrawn from the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship presented by Vital Proteins.

“Their place in the draw will be filled by an alternate team with the highest combined singles ranking that signs in by 10:30 a.m. today, with priority to those that had been entered by the initial July 28 deadline.”

Jannik Sinner pulls out of US Open mixed doubles after Cincinnati Open retirement

How can I watch the US Open mixed doubles?

15:15 , Flo Clifford

Viewers in the UK can watch the mixed doubles at the US Open live on Sky Sports Tennis.

The event is being streamed on ESPN in the United States.

Play gets underway at 11am local time on the two main show courts, 4pm BST.

Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu will pair up in New York (Ben Whitley/Jordan Pettitt/PA) (PA)

What is today's order of play?

14:55 , Flo Clifford

LOUIS ARMSTRONG STADIUM - 4pm BST start (11am local)

Sara Errani/Andrea Vavassori vs Elena Rybakina/Taylor Fritz (2)

Venus Williams/Reilly Opelka vs Karolina Muchova/Andrey Rublev

R2: TBC

Not before 6:30pm BST

Taylor Townsend/Ben Shelton vs Amanda Anisimova/Holger Rune (4)

Katerina Siniakova/Jannik Sinner* vs Belinda Bencic/Alexander Zverev

R2 TBC

*Jannik Sinner is likely to withdraw with illness

What is today's order of play?

14:35 , Flo Clifford

ARTHUR ASHE STADIUM - 4pm BST start (11am local)

Naomi Osaka/Gael Monfils vs Caty McNally/Lorenzo Musetti

Not before 5pm BST

Iga Swiatek/Casper Ruud (3) vs Madison Keys/Frances Tiafoe

R2: TBC

Not before 7pm BST

Jessica Pegula/Jack Draper (1) vs Emma Raducanu/Carlos Alcaraz

Olga Danilovic/Novak Djokovic vs Mirra Andreeva/Daniil Medvedev

R2: TBC

Will Jannik Sinner play?

14:12 , Flo Clifford

After his withdrawal with illness from Monday’s Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz, it looks likely that world No 1 Jannik Sinner will withdraw from the mixed doubles event.

He had been slated to team up with 10-time women’s doubles major champion Katerina Siniakova, but the US Open official draw page now has a blank pairing where the two should be, against Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev.

The US Open official X account has also just posted a cryptic statement: “Find your partner, we're mixing it up today”.

Screenshot taken from US Open official website (US Open)

What is the format of the new-look US Open mixed doubles?

13:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Sixteen pairs will compete in the event, resulting in four rounds of competition.

The scoring system, until the final, will be best-of-three sets played to four games with sudden death deuce and a tie-break at 4-4, with a 10-point tiebreak instead of the third set if necessary.

The final will be the same, but with normal six-game sets instead.

What time does the new US Open mixed doubles event start?

13:35 , Jamie Braidwood

The mixed doubles event takes place on Tuesday 19 August and Wednesday 20 August on the two biggest show courts at Flushing Meadows, Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong.

Matches start at 11am local time, that’s 4pm BST. Alcaraz and Raducanu’s match against Draper and Pegula is scheduled third on Arthur Ashe on Tuesday, around 2pm local time - 7pm BST.

Jannik Sinner drops big clue around potential involvement in US Open mixed doubles

13:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Jannik Sinner did not hold a press conference after last night’s Cincinnati Open final, but he did provide some quotes that were released by the ATP.

He was not specifically asked whether he would skip the US Open mixed doubles after pulling out of the Cincinnati Open final with illness, but the 24-year-old did say that he now has “a couple of days of recovery" before the start of his US Open singles defence latest this week.

"I love Grand Slams a lot. This is the main, main tournaments for my season and for my career," Sinner said.

"So US Open is going to be tough tournament, but in the same time, I'm looking forward to it. If I'm ready, physically and mentally, I will be ready to push.

“So as I said, now a couple of days of recovery, and then we get again back to work, and hopefully we'll be ready. So for sure, the main goal here in the US."

Jannik Sinner withdrew from the Cincinnati Open final through illness and is expected to withdraw from US Open mixed doubles (Imagn Images)

Novak Djokovic arrives in New York ahead of US Open mixed doubles

12:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Novak Djokovic arrived in New York on Monday evening ahead of his latest bid at winning his 25th grand slam singles title.

First, the 38-year-old will partner Serbian compatriot Olga Danilovic in today’s revamped US Open mixed doubles.

They will take on the Russian pair of Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev, who Djokovic defeated to win the 2023 US Open final.

That was his last grand slam title, with the next seven won by either Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner.

Jannik Sinner apologises to crowd after Cincinnati Open final retirement

12:35 , Jamie Braidwood

“Usually I start with the opponent but today I have to start with you guys [the crowd]. I’m super super sorry to disappoint you. From yesterday I didn’t feel great. I thought I would improve during the night. It came up worse.

“I tried to come out and make it at least a small match but I couldn’t handle more. I’m very very sorry for all of you. I know some of you on Monday maybe had to work or do something else, so I’m very very sorry.

“Of course Carlos congrats. Another title. Not the way you wanted to win but it’s amazing what kind of season you’re producing. You and your whole team are doing amazing. Keep it up. I wish you only all the best for the U.S. Open and the rest of the season.”

What happened in the Cincinnati Open final?

12:15 , Jamie Braidwood
  • There was a lot of anticipation ahead of the final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner after their clashes in the finals of the French Open and Wimbledon this summer
  • But Sinner looked out of sorts from the start on what was a hot afternoon in Ohio, with the final starting at 3pm local time under intense sun
  • Alcaraz raced into an early lead, breaking Sinner’s serve twice as the World No 1 struggled with his movement and the timing of his groundstrokes
  • After losing his serve for the third time, and trailing Alcaraz 5-0 in the first set, Sinner called the trainer and then retired from the match, saying he was “sorry for the fans”.
  • Sinner confirmed during the trophy ceremony that he had started feeling ill the day before, with his condition worsening on the day of the final
  • The Italian is now a major doubt to play in the new-look US Open mixed doubles tournament, which begins later, but he should be fine to start his US Open title defence later this week

Iga Swiatek provides US Open mixed doubles update after Cincinnati victory

11:55 , Kieran Jackson

Iga Swiatek has confirmed her participation in today’s US Open mixed doubles event despite a rapid turnaround from her victory at the Cincinnati Open on Monday night.

Swiatek confirmed via social media that she will compete alongside Casper Ruud in New York on Tuesday in the revamped mixed doubles event, despite a quick turnaround.

“Made it,” she said, as she touched down in New York. “See you on the court, Casper Ruud.”

Iga Swiatek provides US Open mixed doubles update after Cincinnati victory

US Open mixed doubles draw

11:35 , Jamie Braidwood

The full 16-team field was decided by the top-8 singles rankings combined, and eight wildcard picks.

The draw is as follows:

Jessica Pegula/Jack Draper (1) vs Emma Raducanu/Carlos Alcaraz

Olga Danilovic/Novak Djokovic vs Mirra Andreeva/Daniil Medvedev

Iga Swiatek/Casper Ruud (3) vs Madison Keys/Frances Tiafoe

Naomi Osaka/Gael Monfils vs Caty McNally/Lorenzo Musetti

Katerina Siniakova/Jannik Sinner* vs Belinda Bencic/Alexander Zverev

Taylor Townsend/Ben Shelton vs Amanda Anisimova/Holger Rune (4)

Venus Williams/Reilly Opelka vs Karolina Muchova/Andrey Rublev

Sara Errani/Andrea Vavassori vs Elena Rybakina/Taylor Fritz (2)

*Jannik Sinner is expected to withdraw

US Open mixed doubles order of play: Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu start time

11:15 , Kieran Jackson

The new-look US Open mixed doubles event starts on Tuesday, with Carlos Alcaraz set to feature alongside Emma Raducanu amongst a star-studded list of pairs.

New for 2025, the mixed doubles in New York will be staged on the two biggest courts – Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong – over Tuesday 19 August and Wednesday 20 August.

As well as five-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz and 2021 US Open champion Raducanu, a host of other top names are competing alongside one another for the $1m champion prize - an increase of $800,000 from 2024.

US Open mixed doubles order of play: Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu start time

US Open mixed doubles champions lead criticism of revamped event

10:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Last year’s US Open mixed doubles champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori labelled the revamped competition as a "profound injustice" following the announcement of the new format in February.

Errani went further in an interview with the Associated Press before the tournament, calling the changes to the mixed doubles event “nonsense” and “sad”.

Errani and Vavassori will start to defend their title when they take on Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina, two singles stars, in their first-round match later this afternoon.

Errani argued: "It would be like if, at the Olympics, they didn't let the actual high jumpers participate, and instead had basketball players compete in the high jump because it's more 'interesting.'

"You can't have a Grand Slam doubles (trophy) and not let doubles players take part. ... You're excluding them from their sport. It's dishonest."

Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, the 2024 mixed doubles champions, described the new-look event as a 'great injustice' in February (Getty Images)
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