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Tennis legend Venus Williams is gearing up for an exciting return to the US Open next month, where she will take part in the newly reimagined Mixed Doubles Championship alongside fellow American Reilly Opelka. The duo has received a wildcard entry for the high-stakes event, which will unfold over two days, August 19–20, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) on Tuesday revealed 14 of the 16 pairs selected for the 2025 edition of the tournament. Among them are eight teams that qualified automatically based on the players’ current singles rankings and six teams granted wildcard entries. The full field will be finalized with two additional wildcard pairings to be announced in the coming weeks.
At 45, Williams is making a spirited comeback. She recently returned to action after a 14-month absence, picking up one singles and one doubles victory at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington.
In addition to her partnership with Opelka, Williams has already secured a wildcard entry for the upcoming Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati. There’s also speculation that she may request a singles wildcard for the US Open, with those decisions expected during the week of August 11.
This year’s US Open Mixed Doubles event will feature a star-studded lineup, combining current Top 10 singles players, Grand Slam champions, and rising stars across both tours.
Direct-entry teams include:
Emma Navarro and Jannik SinnerPaula Badosa and Jack DraperIga Swiatek and Casper RuudElena Rybakina and Taylor FritzAmanda Anisimova and Holger RuneBelinda Bencic and Alexander ZverevJessica Pegula and Tommy PaulMirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev
Several notable pairings came together after initial plans shifted. Badosa had originally aimed to partner with Stefanos Tsitsipas (but they’re reported to have broken up), and Draper was set to team with Zheng Qinwen, who had to withdraw from the event following recent elbow surgery.
Wildcard entries:
Madison Keys and Frances TiafoeOlga Danilovic and Novak DjokovicEmma Raducanu and Carlos AlcarazTaylor Townsend and Ben SheltonVenus Williams and Reilly OpelkaSara Errani and Andrea Vavassori
About the new mixed doubles format
The USTA has revamped the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship to boost visibility and attract top singles players. Moved from the third week of the tournament to the first week, the event now takes center stage with ESPN and international broadcast coverage. Key updates include:
A 16-team draw: 8 direct entries via combined singles rankings and 8 wildcards$1 million prize for the winning teamFast-paced match format: best-of-three-set matches with short sets to four games, no-ad scoring, tiebreakers at four-all and a 10-point match tiebreak in lieu of a third setThe final will be a best-of-three set match to six games, featuring no-ad scoring, with tiebreakers at six-all and a 10-point match tiebreaker in lieu of a third setAll matches held in Arthur Ashe or Louis Armstrong Stadium
For Williams, whose career includes seven singles and 14 women’s doubles Grand Slam titles (all the latter won with sister Serena), this mixed doubles campaign could complete her already legendary resume.
The countdown to August 19 is officially on.
