Emma Raducanu Advocates for Innovative Mixed Doubles at Wimbledon

Emma Raducanu, the British tennis sensation, has expressed her desire for Wimbledon to introduce an innovative mixed doubles event, similar to the one recently launched by the US Open. Raducanu, who partnered with Carlos Alcaraz in the pioneering New York event, believes such a format would be a great addition to the Grand Slam tournaments.

The US Open's Mixed Doubles Success

The US Open's mixed doubles event featured a 'fast four' format and a $1 million prize for the champions, which attracted top players like Raducanu and Alcaraz. Despite some critics labeling it as an exhibition, Raducanu considers it a significant success. She stated, "I think whether it is the exact same format or not, something like this would be a great addition to the Slams. It gets everyone involved the week before the tournament and builds a lot of talk around the tournament."

Potential for Wimbledon

Raducanu's enthusiasm for the event is clear, but whether Wimbledon, the Australian Open, and the French Open will follow suit remains uncertain. Tennis Australia, known for its bold initiatives, is the most likely to attempt a similar format. However, financial constraints may hinder other tournaments from adopting such a radical change.

Raducanu's Experience

Despite losing in the first round of the 16-team event, Raducanu had a positive experience. She said, "I think it was a huge success. I think so many fans got involved, so many people watching and tuned in. It got a lot of attention. It was a great idea and I had a lot of fun on the court playing with Carlos."

Future of Mixed Doubles

The success of the US Open event, which attracted 78,000 fans, has sparked discussions about the future of mixed doubles in tennis. While the traditional Grand Slam tournaments may be reluctant to break from time-honored traditions, the innovative approach of the US Open could pave the way for new formats in the sport.