The US Open is set to showcase a thrilling new chapter in its storied history with the announcement of 14 confirmed pairings for the revamped mixed doubles event scheduled for August 19 and 20, 2025. This standalone competition, held just before the main hard court Grand Slam tournament begins on August 24, promises to be a spectacle with a $1 million prize at stake. The event has already stirred debate and excitement, not least because of its unique timing and the star-studded line-up it boasts.
Among the six wildcard entrants, British number one Emma Raducanu and Spain's Carlos Alcaraz stand out as a particularly exciting duo. Both young and immensely talented, Raducanu, the 2021 US Open women's singles champion, and Alcaraz, the 2022 men's singles winner, bring a fresh energy to the competition. Their participation reflects the tournament's ambition to blend rising stars with established champions in a format designed to entertain and challenge the best in tennis.
The US Open organizers have received criticism for scheduling the mixed doubles as a standalone event before the main tournament, a move that some players have openly condemned. Last year's mixed doubles champions, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, described the change as a "profound injustice" and dismissed the new format as "a pseudo-exhibition focused only on entertainment and show." Despite their reservations, the Italian pair have accepted a wildcard entry, signaling their intent to defend their title under the new conditions.
In total, 16 teams will compete, with eight pairs gaining direct entry based on their combined singles rankings. This includes some of the biggest names in tennis today. Notably, Wimbledon champions Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud will compete alongside Emma Navarro and Jannik Sinner, both highly ranked players. British No. 1 Jack Draper, who initially was slated to partner with Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng, will instead team up with Spain's Paula Badosa after Zheng withdrew due to elbow surgery. Draper’s late confirmation as a direct-entry player came as a surprise, as he was not listed among the initial 25 official applicants announced earlier.
Other direct entry pairs include Elena Rybakina with Taylor Fritz, Amanda Anisimova paired with Holger Rune, Belinda Bencic alongside Alexander Zverev, Jessica Pegula with Tommy Paul, and Mirra Andreeva teaming up with Daniil Medvedev. This formidable line-up ensures a high level of competition and a blend of powerful playing styles across the board.
The wildcard list is equally impressive, featuring some of tennis’s most celebrated figures. Venus Williams, the 45-year-old two-time Grand Slam mixed doubles champion, marks a remarkable comeback by entering the tournament with American giant Reilly Opelka. Williams, who returned to competitive tennis at the Citi Open in Washington, DC, last month after a year away, remains a formidable competitor despite her time off. She holds seven Grand Slam singles titles and a total of 23 major titles when including doubles and mixed doubles, making her participation a major draw for fans.
Other wildcards include Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe, Olga Danilovic paired with the legendary Novak Djokovic, and Taylor Townsend with Ben Shelton. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, and Danilovic’s participation adds further star power and intrigue to the event.
Interestingly, some big names who were initially listed among entries are notably absent from the confirmed list. Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka, who had been linked as a potential pairing, will not be competing, and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka's participation remains unconfirmed. Home favorite Coco Gauff is also missing from the roster, which has raised questions among fans and commentators about the final composition of the field.
The US Open’s decision to hold the mixed doubles as a standalone event has sparked debate about the format’s impact on player preparation and the tournament’s traditional scheduling. Critics argue that separating mixed doubles from the main event undermines its prestige and disrupts players’ routines. Supporters, however, see it as an innovative way to spotlight mixed doubles and offer fans a dedicated showcase for this exciting format.
Looking ahead, the tournament organizers have yet to announce the final two wildcard teams, with speculation rife about possible entries. Among the hopefuls are British players Katie Boulter and Alex De Minaur, the charismatic Australian Nick Kyrgios potentially partnering with former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka, and the Italian duo Jasmine Paolini and Lorenzo Musetti, both of whom have made significant strides in recent Grand Slam tournaments.
As the mixed doubles event approaches, anticipation is building not just for the on-court action but also for how this new format will influence the broader tennis calendar. With a prize pot of $1 million, the stakes are high, and the blend of youth and experience promises an electrifying competition that could redefine mixed doubles at the US Open.
In summary, the 2025 US Open mixed doubles event is shaping up to be a landmark competition featuring a mix of top-ranked singles players, Grand Slam champions, and celebrated veterans making comebacks. The presence of stars like Emma Raducanu, Carlos Alcaraz, Venus Williams, and Novak Djokovic ensures that the tournament will capture global attention. While the standalone scheduling remains controversial, the quality of the field and the substantial prize money guarantee a fiercely contested and entertaining event ahead of the main Grand Slam tournament.
