“That was fun 🤝🏻🤩.” Carlos Alcaraz had claimed with utmost honesty about his US Open mixed doubles campaign last month with WTA star Emma Raducanu. After tennis lovers’ growing anticipation of pairing them up together on the court, the US Open finally made it happen. Yes, their run was short-lived, after losing against Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula, but their team up was still a hit. Alcaraz and Raducanu thoroughly enjoyed playing beside one another on the court. This became obvious when Raducanu replied to Alcaraz’s reaction, saying, “You are the best!!” Guess what? These two are set to cross paths once again before the end of this season.

Just a few days ago, Alcaraz confirmed his participation in an exciting exhibition experience in Newark. He will be seen competing against American ATP pro and good friend Frances Tiafoe at ‘A Racquet at the Rock’ in December, at the Prudential Center. “It is always a lot of fun to be on the court with Frances- we love to compete against each other, and I can’t wait to put on a great show for the fans in Newark,” said the World No.1 while expressing his excitement for the exhibition event. It will take place on December 7.

But here comes the real twist. Seems like the Spaniard’s US Open partner is also going to show up in Newark. The official IG account of Prudential Center has confirmed Raducanu’s appearance. While Alcaraz will take on Tiafoe, she will lock horns with US Open finalist and World No.4 American star Amanda Anisimova.

This year will mark ‘A Racquet at the Rock’ event’s inaugural edition. Going by the official description, it will celebrate the “world’s best tennis players” and “will provide fans the opportunity to see their favorite players take the court at New Jersey’s biggest stage, Prudential Center on December 7!”

While fans must be thinking of a reunion on the court for Alcaraz and Raducanu, it won’t be the case. There’s no mixed doubles format slated for the exhibition extravaganza, which means the two will only compete in their respective singles encounters. But of course, they are expected to meet and share fun moments in the same way they did in New York.

The bonding between the Spaniard and the Brit has grown so much that Raducanu even came forward to defend her friend’s debatable buzz cut last month. Especially after American ATP star Tiafoe called it “horrible.” So what did the 2021 US Open champion say about Alcaraz’s no-hair-look at the Flushing Meadows?

Emma Raducanu’s adorable reaction to Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open buzzcut

Although Tiafoe and Carlos Alcaraz are good off-court buddies, the American couldn’t help but share his honest take on the Spaniard’s newest hairdo before the US Open. Taking a jab at the six-time slam winner, he commented, “It’s terrible. I mean, it’s definitely terrible. He’s my guy, though. It’s funny.”

But it seems not everyone was upset with the look. Especially Raducanu, who thought Tiafoe’s reaction was a bit “too harsh”. When asked to comment on the situation, she simply said, “I think Frances was harsh on him. I think the fact that he does it with confidence and owns it… I think he pulls it off. I’d say support him,” reported Times Now on August 28.

“If you can own a haircut like that, you can make it work. Mixed field, but whatever he does, it’s not gonna affect what he does on the court. I’m just happy to see him having fun with whatever,” she added.

Alcaraz won his second US Open trophy last week after besting archrival Jannik Sinner. He also reached the No.1 position while ending the Italian’s 65-week reign on the top spot. The Spaniard will next appear at the Laver Cup this month. On the other hand, Raducanu will soon step back on the court with her campaign at the Korea Open, starting September 13.