The grass is gone, the grit is back, say hello to the blazing North American hard-court summer swing: six fiery tournaments in seven relentless weeks, all roads leading to the grand crescendo at the US Open. It’s the surface that carved Emma Raducanu’s name in golden letters when she stunned the world by winning the 2021 US Open, toppling Leylah Fernandez in a final for the ages. And while her last doubles appearance ended in a quarterfinal exit at the HSBC Championship alongside Katie Boulter, Raducanu is turning heads again, this time, charging into Washington’s Mubadala Citi DC Open with an ex-Wimbledon champion, chasing doubles glory under the capital’s lights.

The 2025 Citi DC Open WTA draw has dropped, and a compelling storyline unfolds with it. Emma Raducanu is set for a chance at redemption as she prepares to open her Washington campaign against Marta Kostyuk, the Ukrainian who handed her a stinging 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 defeat at the Madrid Open earlier this year. It’s a must-watch showdown, with Raducanu trailing 2-1 in their head-to-head. 

But singles isn’t the only buzz surrounding the Brit. Raducanu’s surprise partnership with ex-Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina has tongues wagging. The pairing is as electric as it is unexpected, two Grand Slam queens navigating the same rocky terrain, both hungry to break free from the “one-and-done” club that still holds the likes of Marketa Vondrousova, Sofia Kenin, and Bianca Andreescu. Coco Gauff recently broke that mold, proving that lightning can strike twice. And now, Raducanu and Rybakina aim to follow suit, starting with a powerful statement in Washington.

Adding fuel to the fire, whispers have turned to confirmation: Raducanu and Rybakina plan to play mixed doubles at the US Open, with Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz as their respective partners. 

But before New York lights up, it’s DC that gets first dibs. The duo will open their doubles journey against No.4 seeds Tereza Mihalikova and Olivia Nicholls on July 22nd, a matchup that could set the tone for a seismic summer shift.

Despite her growing doubles buzz, Emma Raducanu’s singles path in Washington is anything but a walk in the park. If she flips the script against Kostyuk this time, Raducanu could meet Yulia Putintseva or, more intriguingly, former Grand Slam queen Naomi Osaka. Raducanu has never crossed swords with either. Putintseva has managed just one win in the past two months, while Osaka recently reached the last 32 at Wimbledon, showing flashes of her old brilliance.

Should the Brit advance, a potential quarterfinal looms against rising American Emma Navarro, with Maria Sakkari and fellow Brit Katie Boulter also in the draw. Beyond singles, Raducanu is spreading her wings, set to team up in women’s doubles at the Citi DC Open and aiming for the spotlight in US Open mixed doubles with none other than Carlos Alcaraz. And yes, she’s finally broken the silence on that romance buzz.

Emma Raducanu speaks out on Alcaraz romance buzz

Before Wimbledon could even settle the grass this year, the US Open stole the headlines. In a sizzling announcement, the tournament confirmed its mixed doubles pairings for August, and one duo instantly lit up the tennis world: Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu. Two Grand Slam champions, one team, and all eyes on them as they prepare to hit the court on August 19 and 20. The buzz? It’s not just about tennis.

Alcaraz himself revealed it was his idea. “I have known Emma for a really long time. I have a really good relationship with her. We are gonna enjoy it for sure. We will try to win. But obviously it’s going to be really, really fun.” His words added fuel to a fire that’s been burning across social media.

When asked by the BBC’s Russell Fuller about the online chatter surrounding her and Alcaraz, Raducanu didn’t miss a beat. “I’m glad the internet’s having fun and we’re providing some entertainment for everyone,” she said, handling the speculation with grace and humor.

The 2021 US Open champion spoke glowingly about her mixed doubles partner. “He’s so nice, very happy, amazing values and just a really positive light to be around,” Raducanu said. “When you become a bit more known or more successful, you find yourself reverting back to people you knew from a young age because you’re like, that’s a real genuine connection.”

Now, as the Citi DC Open kicks off the North American hard-court swing, can Emma Raducanu channel that energy and rediscover the form that once made her a Grand Slam champion? The road to New York has begun, and it’s heating up fast.