Tennis fans got treated to pure magic at the US Open mixed doubles, but sometimes even wizardry can’t save you from a disappointing exit. Carlos Alcaraz pulled off what might be the shot of the tournament – maybe the year – leaving his partner Emma Raducanu looking like she’d just witnessed actual sorcery.

The draw looked like something dreamed up in a fan’s imagination. Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu stepping onto court as partners, Jessica Pegula testing her doubles chops, and even veterans like Venus Williams mixing it up with the next generation.

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will face potential difficult American opponents when they begin their quest for another U.S. Open title.

Big names fell early and unexpected teams broke through to steal the spotlight on Day 1 of U.S. Open mixed doubles play, headlining an electric opener packed with upsets and standout performances.