Andy Roddick gave his thoughts after seeing the blockbuster lineup unveiled for the mixed doubles tournament at US Open 2025.
The former World No. 1 and 2003 US Open champion called the star-studded entry list a massive win for tennis, likening it to the sport’s version of an “all-star weekend”, but also pointed out the surprising absence of 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff.
Andy Roddick Lauds USTA’s Star-Studded Mixed Doubles Lineup
The USTA has unveiled a bold new twist for the upcoming US Open, introducing a reimagined mixed doubles tournament during Fan Week that will showcase 16 elite pairings from the ATP and WTA tours. The event will be held August 19-20 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and features a prize purse of $1 million. With nine of the Top 10 women and men slated to compete, the buzz surrounding the format has skyrocketed. Here are the pairs for the event:
Zheng Qinwen and Jack Draper
Emma Navarro and Jannik Sinner
Jessica Pegula and Tommy Paul
Jasmine Paolini and Lorenzo Musetti
Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz
Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev
Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe
Aryna Sabalenka and Grigor Dimitrov
Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud
Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas
Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz
Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev
Olga Danilovic and Novak Djokovic
Taylor Townsend and Ben Shelton
Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori
Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios
Speaking on the Tennis Channel following the announcement, Roddick praised the move and emphasized its significance for the sport.
“Anyone who has questioned this move from the U.S. Open is wrong based on who is playing in this,” he said. “If our goal with doubles, mixed, whatever it is, to grow the game, this is the win, right? This is the win. This is how it happens.”
Roddick noted how the sport has historically lacked the spectacle of other sports’ celebratory weekends, stating:
“I’ve always said tennis doesn’t really have an all-star weekend. We don’t have that hype mechanism. You’re looking at all-star weekend. It’s just going to be played the weekend before the U.S. Open.”
“This is ABSURD…you’re looking at all-star weekend” 🤩#TCLive reacts to the US Open’s star-studded mixed doubles entry list pic.twitter.com/HV7n7QqPxx
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) June 17, 2025
Coco Gauff’s Absence Raises Eyebrows
While the roster for the event has drawn widespread acclaim, one notable name was missing, and that was Coco Gauff. The 2023 US Open champion was not listed among the confirmed mixed doubles pairings. Roddick weighed in on her absence by stating:
“It’s a tough look,” he said. “Coco has a million endorsements and that’s the prime real estate in New York City for her before the U.S. Open. I’d be surprised if she jumped in at this point.”
Roddick also touched on the difficulty of any potential last-minute changes, especially considering high-profile wildcard pairings like Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios.
“I don’t want to be in charge of who you kick out of this draw… I don’t know Osaka and Kyrgios just based on recency and accomplishment. It’s tough to kick out the only doubles team. I think you have to have one. I don’t want to make that decision,” the former World No. 1 added.
