Emma-Carlos USO doubles plan could blow up

The PR-inspired “love doubles” pairing between Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz could well hit a sticky end due to scheduling and injury.

The dream combination, orchestrated behind the scenes by Open officials for their hybrid two-day mixed event to be staged during qualifying week for the final Grand Slam of the season next month, looks like easily falling victim to circumstances.

For one, Alcaraz has still not returned to court after losing the Wimbledon final to Jannik Sinner, with both men skipping what is fast becoming a dead-end Canadian Masters in Toronto which begins on Sunday.

The 22-year-old Spaniard was not completely fit on the grass and is now not due to compete again before Cincnnati , last bi event prior to the New York Grand Slam start in a month.

“I have small muscle issues and I need to recover physically and mentally for what comes next,” Alcaraz posted this month on social media.

Observers suggest that he might not be willing to risk his singles fitness with a cobbled together hit-and-giggle spread over two days and awarding winners USD 1 million.

Raducanu looks to be emerging from a season-long career slump after her title at the 2021 US Open.

But the Londoner has a record of pulling form doubles commitments, leaving Andy Murray at the altar at Wimbledon, 2024 after promising to join him in dubs.

With her singles apparently on the rise, she might also be loath to take an injury risk in the exhibition-like team event.

The Frankenstein format of the dubs seems to be an issue, with several teams encouraged by the match-maker Grand Slam, already pulling out.

Prominent absentees include the broken romantic duo of Stefano Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa along with Brit Jack Draper and Paric Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen who underwent shoulder surgery in recent days.

Raducanu also faces a possible ranking problem, with her singles standing of 46th not high enough to allow her into the unique doubles event. She would likely require a wildcard to be able to team with Alcaraz anyway.

Plus, the pair have been the subject of British tabloid speculation about a real-life relationship, something both either deny or laugh off.

 The doubles field is due to comprise eight teams by ranking and eight given on wild card entries.