Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning World No. 1 in women’s tennis, is riding a wave of dominance in 2025, having secured three Grand Slam singles titles and maintaining the top ranking for 35 consecutive weeks. Yet, as she prepares for the reimagined US Open Mixed Doubles Championship on August 19-20, 2025, at Flushing Meadows, her decision to partner with Grigor Dimitrov has sparked skepticism among former ATP stars. The high-stakes event, offering a $1 million prize for the winning team, has drawn a star-studded field, but some question whether Dimitrov’s recent struggles could hinder Sabalenka’s quest for a fourth Grand Slam title and her first in mixed doubles.
Sabalenka’s illustrious career includes two doubles Grand Slam titles—2019 US Open and 2021 Australian Open, both with Elise Mertens—demonstrating her prowess in the discipline. However, her focus has largely shifted to singles since her breakthrough, making her return to doubles a focal point of intrigue. The US Open’s revamped mixed doubles format, moved to Fan Week to spotlight top players, has attracted elite pairs like Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro, and Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud. Sabalenka and Dimitrov, a close friend and former World No. 3, form a formidable team on paper, but doubts about Dimitrov’s form have surfaced. “No offence to them, but I don’t see them taking the title,” said Sam Querrey on the *Nothing Major* podcast, echoing sentiments from fellow former pro John Isner, who warned that Dimitrov “could hold her back” at the US Open.
Dimitrov’s 2025 season has been marred by early exits and injuries, including a first-round retirement at the Australian Open against Francesco Passaro, a fourth-round withdrawal at Wimbledon against Daniil Medvedev, and a quarterfinal loss at the 2024 US Open to Frances Tiafoe. These setbacks have fueled concerns about his reliability in high-pressure matches. “Sabalenka will certainly be hoping her partner avoids the same fate at Flushing Meadows,” Querrey noted, highlighting Dimitrov’s recent string of retirements. Despite this, Sabalenka’s powerful baseline game and 200 km/h serve could compensate for any inconsistencies, provided Dimitrov can regain his form. Her past doubles success, including the 2019 Indian Wells and Miami titles with Mertens, underscores her ability to dominate in team play.
The mixed doubles event, featuring 16 teams with nine of the top-10 men and women, has stirred debate for prioritizing singles stars over doubles specialists. Critics like 2024 champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori have called it a “pseudo-exhibition,” but the $800,000 prize increase over last year has lured top talent. Sabalenka, who won the 2024 US Open singles title against Jessica Pegula, is no stranger to New York’s electric atmosphere. “I know I have to go for it. That’s the only way it works for me,” she said after that victory, a mindset she’ll likely bring to doubles. Her resilience was evident after personal and professional challenges, including the tragic loss of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov in 2024, which she navigated while continuing to compete. “I’ve been through a lot on and off the court, and I just figured out how to control my emotions,” she reflected, showcasing mental toughness that could anchor her partnership with Dimitrov.
On the *Nothing Major* podcast, hosts Isner, Querrey, Steve Johnson, and Jack Sock also highlighted other exciting pairs, with Isner favoring Sinner and Navarro, Sock picking Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina, and Querrey backing Alcaraz and Raducanu for their “electric” chemistry. Johnson predicted Ben Shelton and Taylor Townsend could be “insane” to watch. Despite these alternatives, Sabalenka remains confident, bolstered by her current relationship with Georgios Frangulis, whose support she credits for keeping her grounded. “His support is really important,” she told *Women’s Health*, describing how his presence motivates her to push through tough moments.
As Sabalenka prepares for her first-round match against Rebeka Masarova in Berlin on June 18, 2025, her focus is split between singles and the upcoming US Open doubles challenge. The mixed doubles event, with its fast-paced format and high stakes, promises to be a spectacle, but Sabalenka faces pressure to prove her partnership choice. “I think it’s a good format for the players to get prepared for the US Open,” said Jack Draper, endorsing the event’s appeal. Whether Dimitrov can match Sabalenka’s intensity remains uncertain, but her track record suggests she’ll leave nothing to chance in pursuit of another Grand Slam triumph.
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