Venus Williams is gearing up to commemorate the 25th anniversary of her first US Open title with a return to Flushing Meadows, where she will team up with good friend Reilly Opelka for the Mixed Doubles event at the 2025 tournament, as announced by the USTA. This marks a significant moment in Williams’ storied career, as she prepares to play her first professional match in 16 months at an upcoming event in Washington, DC.
In 2000, Williams secured her first US Open singles championship by defeating Lindsay Davenport and later defended her title against her sister, Serena Williams, in 2001, in one of the tournament’s most memorable finals. Her return to the tournament is a source of excitement for fans who have followed her journey over the decades.
Reigning Australian No. 1 Alex de Minaur will also be making headlines as he plans to compete with his fiancée, Katie Boulter, in the Mixed Doubles competition. De Minaur has expressed that his motivation to win matches stems in part from the financial considerations for their wedding. “Trying to earn some big bucks for this wedding budget is one of my driving forces,” he shared, highlighting the personal stakes involved in competitive sports.
Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas, who apparently have ended their relationship, will not be competing together in the Mixed Doubles event, which adds a dramatic twist to the competition landscape.
With the prize for the Mixed Doubles champions set at $1 million, there’s tremendous incentive for the teams at this year’s event, which will take place during the US Open Fan Week on August 19 and 20 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Currently, 25 teams have registered, including notable pairings like Emma Navarro and Jannik Sinner, Jessica Pegula and Tommy Paul, and Naomi Osaka with Nick Kyrgios.
Lew Sherr, CEO and Executive Director of the USTA, expressed enthusiasm for the competitive spirit and quality of the participants, stating that this reinforces their commitment to elevate the Mixed Doubles Championship. “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,” he remarked.
This year’s event promises to be a celebration of tennis and a showcase of competitive camaraderie, making it a much-anticipated highlight of the US Open season.