With the USTA introducing a new format in 2025 to encourage more singles players and global stars to join the mixed doubles field, this year’s US Open boasts one of the most glamorous lineups in the tournament’s history.
Despite criticism that the format feels more like an exhibition and doesn’t prioritize traditional doubles specialists, it’s fair to say that the buzz it has generated is exactly what the organizers were hoping for. Fans are guaranteed fireworks from the very first round.
US Open Mixed Doubles Set for Fireworks
First Quarter: ‘Emmalitos; debut against Pegula–Draper, Djokovic Returns
The No. 1 seeds, Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper, open against Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz in a first-round blockbuster that pits the top-seeded team against the crowd favorites, who bring flair and star power to the big stage.
It is worth noting that Draper originally paired with Qinwen Zheng and later Paula Badosa, but both withdrew due to injuries. Similarly, Pegula’s initial partner, Tommy Paul, chose to rest ahead of the singles tournament.
In the same quarter, the Serbian duo of Olga Danilovic and Novak Djokovic will face Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev. This clash carries great intrigue, with the long-standing rivalry between Djokovic and Medvedev adding an extra layer of spice to an already compelling matchup.
Second Quarter: Swiatek–Ruud Headline, Monfils joins Osaka
The No. 3 seeds, Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, headline the second quarter. They open against the all-American duo of Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe in what looks like one of the standout ties of the opening round. Swiatek’s consistency from the baseline, combined with Ruud’s pedigree, could make them formidable, but Keys–Tiafoe bring power, crowd support, and chemistry.
Nearby, Gaël Monfils joins Naomi Osaka, stepping in after her original partner, Nick Kyrgios, was forced to withdraw. They bring both flair and firepower, opening against the newly formed team of Caty McNally and Lorenzo Musetti. Musetti was initially set to partner with Jasmine Paolini, but Paolini had to take a rain check on the event. If Osaka and Monfils advance, a possible quarterfinal showdown with Keys–Tiafoe would light up Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Third Quarter: Sinner–Siniakova, Anisimova–Rune in Spotlight
The third quarter of the draw features one of the most fascinating, and certainly the most surprising, pairings: Jannik Sinner and Katerina Siniakova against Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev. Both teams combine singles firepower with doubles expertise, making this one of the most intriguing first-round encounters. Sinner had initially been slated to partner with Emma Navarro, but a late change brought Siniakova into the mix.
Also lurking in this section are the all-American duo of Taylor Townsend and Ben Shelton, who bring left-handed power and net-rushing aggression. They will face the exciting No. 4 seeds, Amanda Anisimova and Holger Rune, in a matchup that will draw close attention from fans in the stands and viewers around the world.
Fourth Quarter: Rybakina–Fritz Anchor, Venus Returns
The fourth quarter of the draw brings together a mix of experience, power, and contrasting playing styles. Venus Williams and Reilly Opelka open against Karolína Muchová and Andrey Rublev in a matchup that blends veteran presence with explosive shot-making. Williams’ return to the US Open stage alongside Opelka’s booming serve is sure to draw plenty of attention, while Muchová and Rublev enter as one of the most dynamic unseeded teams in the field.
Anchoring the section are the No. 2 seeds, Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, who will begin their campaign against the Italian doubles specialist pair of Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. The Italians bring established doubles craft and chemistry, while Rybakina and Fritz boast elite singles firepower. If the seeds click as a unit, they could pose one of the toughest challenges in the entire draw.
A Final Note
The introduction of this new mixed doubles format has been met with its fair share of controversy, with some arguing that it sidelines established doubles specialists and feels more like an exhibition than a traditional competition.
At the same time, the inclusion of so many top singles players has elevated the event to a level that is hard to ignore. Grand Slam champions, fan favorites, and rising stars all feature in the draw, giving the tournament an atmosphere of excitement that mixed doubles has rarely enjoyed.
Early fan engagement and response, both in the stands and online, suggest that the USTA may have struck gold with this bold move. What began as a risk now looks like a jackpot, with the potential to redefine how mixed doubles is perceived at the US Open.
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran – USA TODAY Sports
