As the tennis world gears up for the 2025 US Open, Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, has set her sights on a thrilling challenge in the revamped mixed doubles event, scheduled for August 19-20 during Fan Week at Flushing Meadows. The Kazakh star, paired with American Taylor Fritz, revealed her excitement about facing off against two of the sport’s biggest names, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, in the star-studded tournament. “I think Sinner, Alcaraz definitely,” Rybakina said with a cheeky smile during a press conference at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington. “To see how they hit and feel how the ball is coming. But it’s not easy with each player there.” Her candid enthusiasm has only amplified the anticipation for a unique event designed to showcase tennis’s biggest stars in a fresh format, offering a $1 million prize pool and a chance to test her skills against the ATP’s top dogs.
The US Open’s mixed doubles championship has been reimagined as a two-day spectacle, moving from its traditional slot during the main tournament to a standalone event before the singles draw begins on August 24. This bold shift by the United States Tennis Association aims to attract high-profile singles players, and it’s delivered in spades, with nine of the top 10 ATP and WTA players entering the 16-team field. The top eight teams, determined by combined singles rankings as of July 28, qualify directly, while eight wildcard pairs, including Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, complete the lineup. Rybakina and Fritz, ranked No. 11 and No. 4 respectively, are among the favorites, bolstered by their Eisenhower Cup victory in March 2025, where they dominated with a 10-4 win over Madison Keys and Tommy Paul. “We won Tie Break Tens. I thought she played great, so I wanted to lock up a really good partner early,” Fritz said, explaining his choice to team up with Rybakina again.
Rybakina’s eagerness to face Sinner, the World No. 1 and reigning US Open champion, and Alcaraz, the five-time Grand Slam winner, stems from a desire to experience their renowned power and precision firsthand. “It’s a unique chance to play some of the top guys,” she noted, her competitive spirit shining through. Sinner, paired with American Emma Navarro, holds the highest combined ranking, while Alcaraz teams up with Raducanu, a partnership that has sparked buzz since the Spaniard personally invited her. “I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me,” Alcaraz said, adding with a laugh, “She’s going to be the boss.” Other notable pairings include Novak Djokovic with Olga Danilovic, Iga Swiatek with Casper Ruud, and Naomi Osaka with Nick Kyrgios, promising a dazzling display of talent.
The event’s allure lies in its blend of fun and competition, offering players like Rybakina a chance to hone their skills ahead of the singles draw. “It’s also good preparation for the singles,” she said, highlighting the strategic benefit of the timing. Her recent doubles success in Washington with Raducanu, where they reached the semi-finals after a tense 7-6(8-6), 6-4 win over Giuliana Olmos and Aldila Sutjiadi, has boosted her confidence. “I think the time I spent on the doubles court for sure helped me,” Raducanu remarked, a sentiment Rybakina likely shares as she sharpens her net play and returns. Fritz, who praised Rybakina’s game after their Eisenhower Cup triumph, noted, “I always enjoy playing mixed doubles,” citing events like the Olympics and United Cup as highlights.
Despite the excitement, the event faces challenges, with high-profile withdrawals like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa, and Zheng Qinwen due to elbow surgery, raising concerns about scheduling conflicts with the Cincinnati Open finals on August 18. Rybakina, however, remains unfazed, relishing the opportunity to test herself against Sinner’s relentless baseline game and Alcaraz’s dynamic shot-making. “He has such a good game that I think it would be nice to play at the US Open,” she said of Fritz, signaling their strong chemistry. As the tennis world awaits this star-studded showdown, Rybakina’s ambition to face the best promises electrifying battles, setting the stage for a memorable Fan Week that could redefine mixed doubles at Flushing Meadows.
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