Carlos Alcaraz will spearhead a brand-new tennis showcase in New Jersey alongside US Open mixed doubles partner Emma Raducanu after rumors about the two being involved in a “love triangle” also involving Jack Draper emerged over the summer. The rising Spanish sensation continues his quest for US Open glory, having sailed through to the semi-finals during the past two weeks.

He’s set to face Novak Djokovic in a semifinals clash that has sent ticket prices surging, and should he advance to the championship match, he could potentially meet Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz is already planning for upcoming competitions, having committed to an exhibition tournament in December. The single-day spectacle, dubbed ‘A Racquet At The Rock’, will take place in Newark during the holiday season lead-up.

The event will showcase two best-of-three contests featuring a 10-point tiebreaker for any deciding set.

Alcaraz will square off against Frances Tiafoe, who suffered a third-round elimination at the US Open courtesy of Jan-Lennard Struff. The additional matchup will pit Raducanu against Amanda Anisimova, the Wimbledon runner-up who still harbors hopes of a Grand Slam triumph in New York.

After the event’s announcement, Alcaraz released a brief statement expressing his enthusiasm. He said: “It is always a lot of fun to be on the court with Frances. We love to compete against each other.

“I can’t wait to put on a great show for the fans in Newark. I’m looking forward to December 7 at Prudential Center, it will be a special night of great tennis.” The announcement follows ex-British tennis star Tim Henman’s observation about the significant edge that Alcaraz will possess over Djokovic when they meet in the US Open semi-finals. “I give Alcaraz the edge in that one,” said Henman.

“The way he’s been playing is phenomenal, all the different shots he’s coming up with, but also the physicality. His movement is just absolutely incredible. He’s got 16 years on Djokovic and I think that’s to his advantage, but Djokovic has been incredible in the Slams. This is his fourth semi-final of the year, and he’s won here numerous times.

“He’s looking for that 25th [Grand Slam title], so you wouldn’t put it past him. But Alcaraz, for me, starts as the clear favorite.” Juan Carlos Ferrero offered a contrasting perspective, with the Spaniard maintaining that Alcaraz isn’t the frontrunner to defeat a rejuvenated Djokovic in New York.

“Carlos is playing spectacularly, with a lot of confidence, but I don’t dare say that he is a favourite,” said Ferrero.

DON’T MISS…

“Novak will give everything, it will be very tough. In Australia, they played at night and that favoured Novak a little, with his flatter hitting. If we play here during the day, we think the conditions would be much better for us.”

Alcaraz and Raducanu’s link-up during the event follows “love triangle” rumors, fueled by Australian tennis ace Nick Kyrgios ahead of this year’s Wimbledon. “I think it’s a love triangle – Draper, Alcaraz and Raducanu,” Kyrgios said with a chuckle in a talkSPORT interview. “They’re fighting over Raducanu I think, I’m not sure.”

He added, “I don’t know who’s making her happy. I just think that the tennis world loves a love story, and they love to try and put two together.

Asked about her relationship with Alcaraz before Wimbledon, Raducanu said with a smile, “We’re just good friends.” And as the moderator intervened to end the press conference, she chuckled and quipped, “Way to wrap up!”