Former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez has predicted fireworks on the court when Emma Raducanu partners up with Carlos Alcaraz for the US Open mixed doubles tournament. The tennis world was stunned when it was announced the US Open champions will come together at Flushing Meadows.

Of course, both players will be looking to go as far as they can at Wimbledon, before they move their focus towards New York. However, many fans cannot wait to see what Raducanu and Alcaraz can do while playing alongside each other. Alcaraz recently triumphed at Queen's, extending his winning streak to 17 matches. One of those victories was his astounding display against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner as he won the French Open. Meanwhile, British sensation Raducanu, 22, is stepping up her game on the WTA Tour following injury setbacks, with her eyes set on performing well at the Eastbourne Open ahead of Wimbledon.

However, this sporting partnership isn't just about professional synergy. Alcaraz and Raducau have been friends for a long time. Martinez believes the tennis world will be enthralled by their partnership together.

Chatting with BoyleSports, Martinez said: "It's certainly a very exciting couple. They admire each other a lot. They're going to be fun to watch and to see the great energy that Carlos has to bring to the table. They get along great and they're going to be very exciting for sure."

Alcaraz recently opened up about his decision to partner with Raducanu, revealing it was his initiative. He said: "I'm super excited about it. I think it's going to be great. It was an amazing idea for the tournament. I was thinking that I couldn't play better if it wasn't with Emma.

"I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me. Yeah, I made that special request. She took a while to respond. Not that much, not that much! But obviously she had to ask, and she had to think a little bit. But it wasn't a minute!

"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."

Their camaraderie was evident when Raducanu was spotted cheering for Alcaraz during his semi-final triumph at Queen's against Roberto Bautista Agut. After dispatching his fellow Spaniard, Alcaraz couldn't hide his joy at Raducanu's presence.

He said: "I saw on social media she came up to watch my match. I'm just glad. I mean, I was focused on the match. I didn't see her afterwards. I am just glad that she came to support me, to watch my match. Yeah, I think it was great having her in the stands."

They'll certainly face stiff competition with pairs like Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro, Olga Danilovic and Novak Djokovic, and Zheng Qinwen and Jack Draper all vying for the title.