The 2025 US Open mixed doubles tournament has added another big name to its entry list: Venus Williams, who will continue her professional comeback. The former World No. 1 will team up with fellow American Reilly Opelka, the U.S. Tennis Association announced Tuesday.
After spending more than a year away from competition, Williams returned to the WTA Tour last week at the DC Open. She defeated Peyton Stearns in the round of 32, becoming the oldest woman (age 45) to win a WTA Tour-level match since Martina Navratilova in 2004. She then lost to Magdalena Frech, 6-2, 6-2, in the round of 16.
She also secured a doubles win alongside Hailey Baptiste. Now, the two-time US Open singles champion will partner with Opelka, 27, who has been ranked as high as No. 17 in the world.
Williams and Opelka join a star-studded entry list
The USTA has revamped the mixed doubles event, increasing the prize money and adjusting the schedule to avoid conflicts with singles matches, in an effort to attract top-tier players. The event will take place over two days—August 19 and 20—the week before the singles tournament begins.
Reilly Opelka to join Venus Williams in the US Open mixed doubles tournament (Getty Images)
Eight teams have received direct entry based on singles rankings. Six of them were previously announced, but there have been updates since the preliminary list was released.
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Aryna Sabalenka and Grigor Dimitrov were forced to retire as the Bulgarian star is leading with an injury. Meanwhile, the all-Italian duo Jasmine Paolini and Lorenzo Musetti are not longer participating.
Holger Rune will now be part of the event (Getty Images)
Amanda Anisimova and Holger Rune have now formed a team to complete the direct entries. Meanwhile, Jack Draper and Paula Badosa are a new pairing, after both switched partners.
Draper was initially set to play with Zheng Qinwen, who recently underwent elbow surgery, while Badosa was originally paired with Stefanos Tsitsipas—however, the two have reportedly ended their relationship.
List of teams for the US Open mixed doubles
Confirmed teams include:
- Emma Navarro and Jannik Sinner
- Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud
- Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz
- Jessica Pegula and Tommy Paul
- Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev
- Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev
Wildcards have been awarded to:
- Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe
- Olga Danilovic and Novak Djokovic
- Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz
- Taylor Townsend and Ben Shelton
- Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori
