'Raducanu and Alcaraz are definitely the weakest pair' - Rennae Stubbs gives verdict on superstar pairings for US Open mixed doubles

With the US Open adopting a new format for the mixed doubles event beginning at this year's edition, several singles superstars have thrown their names into the field. Various player combinations have been announced, with former doubles star Rennae Stubbs giving her opinion on which team has the potential to flop.

The new mixed doubles format which will only be used at Flushing Meadows will feature several top-ranked singles stars compete in lieu of the traditional doubles players. Furthermore, the mixed doubles event will be held a few days before the singles and doubles tournaments kick off, and is slated to wrap up in a handful of days.

A popular team may actually be the weakest, says Stubbs

Several ATP and WTA singles stars have already been announced as entrants. Fans will be treated to the pairings of Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic, Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa and several other top-ranked players.

A pairing that has drawn a lot of attraction since being announced is that of former World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz and 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu. Fans are eager to see the duo in action, with several already predicting them to win. However, Stubbs believes otherwise.

"Frankly, I would say that Raducanu and Alcaraz are definitely the weakest pair," said Stubbs on the latest episode of her podcast. "I say that and I want to clarify that I have nothing against them. I've always praised their game.
"Then again, I also want to say that the Swiatek/Ruud pairing isn't very reassuring either. Iga serves and returns well, but I'm not really sure that doubles is a discipline that Casper has practiced much."

However, not everyone is a fan of this new format. Some believe this is a money-grabbing scheme, aimed at the casual fan. Furthermore, it prevents actual mixed doubles teams from being showcased as they are now competing for fewer spots.