Yardbarker
x
Preview US Open Mixed Doubles Championship 2025: Stars collide in a high-stakes New York showdown
Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The 2025 US Open is set to dazzle fans with its revamped Mixed Doubles Championship, featuring a star-studded lineup and a fresh format designed to reignite interest in the event. Scheduled for August 19–20, this two-day spectacle will showcase 16 elite teams, including top singles players like Carlos Alcaraz, Emma Raducanu, Iga Swiatek, and Novak Djokovic. With a $1 million prize on the line, the competition promises high stakes and thrilling matches.

British battle in a first-round faceoff

At the forefront are the top seeds, Jessica Pegula of the USA and the British rising star Jack Draper. Pegula, a consistent performer in doubles, brings tactical astuteness and calm under pressure, while Draper offers an aggressive baseline game that complements her net skills. Pegula, with the most high-level doubles experience, stands out as the most seasoned player in this battle, having competed deep into Grand Slam doubles draws multiple times and earned a reputation for exceptional court awareness and strategic shot selection.

They kick off their campaign against the intriguing Spanish pairing of Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz, both coming off deep singles runs. Raducanu’s deft touch and Alcaraz’s explosive energy promise a scintillating opening-round clash, and if Pegula and Draper can navigate it, they will likely be the pair to beat in the top half of the draw.

Serbian stars take on Russian firepower

Serbia’s Olga Danilovic teams up with Novak Djokovic, bringing a blend of raw power and unparalleled experience. Danilovic’s aggressive baseline strokes and Djokovic’s all-court mastery make them a formidable pairing. Their opponents, Russia’s Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev, offer a contrasting style, combining Andreeva’s precision with Medvedev’s defensive resilience and counterpunching ability.

This clash promises a tactical battle, with both pairs capable of extending rallies and exploiting weak spots at the net. The winner will likely meet Pegula and Draper in a high-stakes second-round encounter, setting the stage for a thrilling cross-court duel.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by United Cup (@unitedcuptennis)

Swiatek & Ruud clash with American duo

Iga Swiatek, the third seed, partners with Norway’s Casper Ruud to face the American duo of Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe. Swiatek is dominant on the singles court, while Ruud brings solid doubles fundamentals and consistency from the baseline. Keys’ power and Tiafoe’s explosive athleticism offer a dangerous combination, but Swiatek’s precision and Ruud’s steady presence give us a thrilling encounter.

If they advance, Swiatek and Ruud are likely to face increasingly challenging opponents in the second round, potentially matching up against the dynamic pairings of Naomi Osaka and Gael Monfils or Lorenzo Musetti and Caty McNally, in contests that will test both their endurance and adaptability.

Osaka & Monfils look to surprise against McNally & Musetti

Naomi Osaka and Gael Monfils form a dynamic cross-continental duo, blending Osaka’s heavy-hitting baseline game with Monfils’ unrivalled court coverage and flair at the net. Originally, Osaka was paired with Nick Kyrgios, but the Australian had to withdraw due to injury. Their opening-round opponents, Caty McNally and Lorenzo Musetti, counter with youthful energy, shot variety, and strong net instincts.

Expect this first-round clash to feature high-speed exchanges and spectacular athletic plays, with the Osaka-Monfils partnership favoured to leverage their experience and synergy in mixed doubles.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by US Open (@usopen)

Siniakova & Sinner face off with Bencic & Zverev in high-octane opener

Katerina Siniakova teams up with Jannik Sinner to face the talented duo of Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev. Siniakova’s doubles pedigree, including multiple Grand Slam titles, gives her a commanding presence at the net, while Sinner’s baseline consistency provides balance. Bencic’s all-court game and Zverev’s power shots ensure a thrilling contest, but experience may give the Czech-Italian pair a decisive edge.

Townsend & Shelton challenge Anisimova & Rune in early fiery matchup

In another fascinating first-round matchup, American duo Taylor Townsend and Ben Shelton face the fourth seeds, Amanda Anisimova and Holger Rune. Townsend brings a wealth of doubles expertise to the court, having competed in numerous Grand Slam doubles draws and earned a reputation for her sharp volleying, instinctive court positioning, and ability to read opponents’ strategies.

Shelton’s powerful service game complements her net skills, making them a dangerous pairing. Together, they have the tools to challenge Anisimova and Rune’s youthful energy and athleticism, setting up a potentially thrilling clash on Louis Armstrong Stadium. The winner of this matchup will face the previously aforementioned Sinner/Siniakova or Zverev/Bencic.

Wiley Williams & Opelka pairing bring experience vs Muchova & Rublev

Venus Williams teams with Reilly Opelka against Katerina Muchova and Andrey Rublev. The combination of Venus’ legendary doubles instincts and Opelka’s towering serve presents a unique challenge, while Muchova and Rublev rely on agility and shot-making variety. Expect exciting volleys and highlight-reel points as both pairs look to establish themselves in the draw.

Errani & Vavassori test skills against Rybakina & Fritz

Lastly, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori face Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, a matchup that pits doubles expertise against raw power. Errani, a former Grand Slam doubles champion, brings tactical intelligence and net dominance, while Vavassori’s doubles skill complements her perfectly. Yet Rybakina and Fritz are the second seeds in this tournament and will try to dictate play with aggressive baseline hitting. Nevertheless, the Italians’ experience could prove decisive in navigating the opening round.

With a star-studded draw, high-stakes prize money, and a format designed to thrill, the 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles promises a weekend of electrifying tennis. From the seasoned court craft of Jessica Pegula and the aggressive flair of Jack Draper to the powerhouse combination of Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic, fans can expect high-octane rallies, strategic net play, and unpredictable outcomes.

As the first-round clashes unfold, the tournament sets the stage not just for individual brilliance but for dynamic partnerships that could redefine the excitement of mixed doubles. This year’s event is poised to captivate audiences, proving that mixed doubles can deliver drama, skill, and spectacle at the very highest level.

Play is set to begin on August 19 Tuesday and will be played over two days with a quick turnaround for some featuring in the Cincinnati Open finals the day before.

This article first appeared on TennisUpToDate.com and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!