Alcaraz 'super excited' to join forces with Raducanu

World No 2 who eased into second round at Queen’s will partner British No 1 in new US Open mixed-doubles event

- KIERAN JACKSON

York, they don't care what feathers they ruffle on the streets of Kensington or Southfields.

Earlier this year, the US Open announced a new-look mixed doubles tournament to take place in the week preceding the major. With a winning purse of $1m, top singles players have been encouraged to participate in a two-day, quick-scoring format. For the tradition of grand-slam tennis, it is quite the radical shake-up, while for doubles specialists, some reliant on the earnings of mixed tennis, it amounts to something close to a slap in the face.

Yet on these shores, there's no doubting where the main stardust pairing lies. Five-time major winner Alcaraz, the sport's hottest property right now, is set to compete in a box-office duo alongside British No 1 Emma Raducanu.

As such, with the greatest of respect to Alcaraz's first-round opponent at Queen's - Australian lucky loser Adam Walton hot topic in the press room was not the Spaniard's solid if unspectacular 6-4, 7-6(4) win, his 14th victory in a row. It was the formation of "AlcarCanu".

"She's going to be the boss!" he said, with a wide smile in his press conference. "The US Open came to us and gave us the opportunity to play mixed doubles and I'm super excited about it. It's going to be great.