Overview

• Grand Slam winners Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu are wildcard partners in a revamped 16-team US Open mixed-doubles event that started Tuesday.
• They open against top seeds Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper in the first round in New York.
• Chris Evert told ESPN the pair are “not having a relationship,” rejecting parallels to her past with Jimmy Connors.
• Both players have repeatedly denied dating speculation, with Raducanu calling the attention “funny” and stressing she keeps her private life separate.
• Raducanu has spoken about dealing with stalkers and increasing her personal safety, while Alcaraz arrives from a quick turnaround after winning the Cincinnati Masters.