Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz may have lost in the remodeled mixed doubles – but they certainly won the hearts of the New York crowd.
In the party-like atmosphere of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Raducanu of Britain and Alcaraz of Spain saw their chance to win a $1 million prize that they claimed to be ended by Briton Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula.
Despite the presence of home player Pegula, it failed in a large crowd at Flushing Meadows.
Pegula and Draper won 4-2 4-2 in the new shortened format, part of the “reimagination” of the U.S. Open hybrid doubles.
In addition to huge economic incentives, the event also moved forward the week before singles were primarily attracted to celebrities.
Raducanu and Alcaraz participated in Glamof Five, which was controversial with its traditional format and polarized opinions – creating many pre-match headlines.
As Alcaraz competed in the final of the ATP match in Cincinnati on Monday, there were concerns that they might not show up at all.
But the two walked out together on the home show of the U.S. Open shortly after 24 hours, with ecstatic screams and shouts.
