Carlos Alcaraz says Emma Raducanu was the first name that came to mind when he agreed to take part in the reimagined US Open mixed doubles championship.

Tournament organisers on Tuesday announced 16 pairings for the new-look format, with Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek all named on the entry list.

US tennis chiefs announced sweeping changes to the mixed doubles earlier this year, unveiling plans to stage the competition as a standalone event in the week before the singles draws begin.

The tournament will be made up of 16 teams, with eight teams earning direct entry based on their combined singles ranking playing alongside eight wild-card entrants.

"The tournament came with this idea of playing the mixed doubles. It's a very nice idea because it's the week before and it's something different that we're not used to," Alcaraz said.

"I think it's great for the people and for the public to see new things.

"When I was approached to play, I accepted and my first thought was Emma. We're the same age, we've known each other for quite some time and we get on really well. I think it's going to be a lot of fun."

Alcaraz was speaking after winning his opening match at Queen's against Adam Walton, a 'lucky loser' who entered the tournament on the back of the withdrawal of Alejandro Davidovich.

Alcaraz will face compatriot Jaume Munar in the second round of the tournament which forms vital preparations for his Wimbledon defence.

"It's never easy to start tournaments, and on top of that a new tour," said the world number two. "And it's even more difficult to start on grass. Very few training sessions, I have not had much time to train or to adapt.

"It was a complete match. I did a lot of things well, but I also have things to improve. The serve has saved me, but tomorrow I will put things in training.

"That's the beauty of it. Trying to take out the things we need to improve to be better in the next round. I'm very happy and proud of how we played today."