Tennis fans are buzzing with anticipation as Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios, two of the sport’s most charismatic stars, prepare to take the court together in the revamped mixed doubles event at the 2025 US Open, kicking off on August 19. This blockbuster pairing, announced ahead of the tournament’s Fan Week, marks a thrilling extension of their off-court collaboration, which has already blossomed into a successful business venture. With their shared flair for the spotlight and a new podcast under their belts, the duo is poised to bring an explosive dynamic to Flushing Meadows, despite needing a wildcard to secure their spot due to their doubles rankings of 57th and 633rd, respectively.
The US Open’s mixed doubles championship has undergone a bold transformation, shrinking from 32 to 16 teams and adopting a fast-paced format with sets played to four games, no-ad scoring, and a 10-point tiebreaker in lieu of a third set. This overhaul, coupled with a $1 million prize for the winners—an $800,000 increase from last year—has lured top singles players, including Carlos Alcaraz with Emma Raducanu, Jannik Sinner with Emma Navarro, and Novak Djokovic with Olga Danilovic. US Tennis Association CEO Lew Sherr expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Seeing the teams that have already put their names on the entry list makes us all incredibly excited. It shows that the players are behind what we are trying to do, and we know that the fans will love it.” However, the changes have sparked controversy, with doubles specialists like Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori calling it a “pseudo-exhibition focused only on entertainment and show,” arguing it disrespects traditional doubles players.
Osaka and Kyrgios’s partnership extends beyond the court. Their bond, forged through mutual admiration and shared experiences, led to the creation of *Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios*, a podcast produced by Osaka’s Hana Kuma production company. Kyrgios has praised Osaka’s vibrant personality, while Osaka admires his unapologetic authenticity, once joking, “If he wants to attempt to carry us, I’ll consider it,” referencing their potential doubles collaboration. Their chemistry was evident in a 2024 US Open Mixed Madness exhibition, where, donning Kobe Bryant jerseys, they faced Taylor Fritz and Amanda Anisimova in a lively one-set shootout. Though they lost, their banter and energy captivated the packed Arthur Ashe Stadium, hinting at the excitement their 2025 campaign could deliver.
For Kyrgios, this marks a significant return to competitive tennis after a grueling period of injuries, including wrist and knee surgeries, limiting him to just nine matches since 2023. The Australian, a 2022 Wimbledon finalist and Australian Open doubles champion, sees the short-form event as a perfect reentry point. Osaka, a two-time US Open singles champion, is also looking to rediscover her rhythm after a challenging 2025, including a second-round loss at Wimbledon. Her focus on improving her net game, as she noted in 2022, “I have been really trying to focus on my net game because I’m going to play mixed doubles,” suggests she’s ready to complement Kyrgios’s aggressive style.
The duo’s wildcard bid is almost certain, given their star power and the tournament’s aim to boost viewership. As they prepare to face formidable pairs like Iga Świątek and Casper Ruud, fans are eager to see if their off-court synergy translates into on-court magic. With the entry deadline looming on July 28, the tennis world awaits confirmation of this electrifying partnership, ready to witness a spectacle that could redefine mixed doubles at the US Open.
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