With top players such as Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek set to compete in the new-look US Open mixed doubles event, some skepticism has arisen among tennis enthusiasts.
Brad Gilbert, the former American tennis pro who helped coach Coco Gauff, has voiced his support for the controversial mixed doubles pairings set for the 2025 US Open.
Brad Gilbert Endorses Changes to US Open Mixed Doubles Lineup
Earlier this year, the United States Tennis Association announced a major overhaul of the mixed doubles format at the hard-court Grand Slam tournament. Aiming to attract bigger viewership, the organization decided to revamp the event by pairing top singles players together.
On Tuesday, June 17, US Open officials announced the pairings for the mixed doubles event on their official X account.
A STAR-STUDDED 🤩 lineup of teams have officially entered the reimagined US Open Mixed Doubles Championship!
More info: https://t.co/bIMJGbf3qI pic.twitter.com/Hw1yA87pgj — US Open Tennis (@usopen) June 17, 2025
The event is scheduled for Aug. 19 and 20, 2025, during US Open Fan Week at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, just four days before the main tournament begins.
The reimagined pairings didn’t sit well with all tennis fans. The lineup is primarily made up of top singles players rather than dedicated doubles specialists. That shift has raised concerns that it could hinder the careers of players who focus on doubles.
However, Coco Gauff’s former coach Brad Gilbert took a different stance.
On June 18, he shared his support on X, writing, “This is going to be very cool 😎💪👍👌.”
This is going to be very cool 😎💪👍👌
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) June 18, 2025
While Gilbert welcomed the change, many fans took to social media to share their frustration.
Andy Roddick Questions Coco Gauff’s Absence From Star-Studded US Open Mixed Doubles Pairs
After the lineup was announced, former world No. 1 and 2003 US Open champion Andy Roddick pointed out one major omission. Speaking on the Tennis Channel, Roddick commented on the absence of 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff.
“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.”
“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
Gauff recently claimed her first clay-court major title at the French Open 2025 at Roland Garros.
Coco Gauff Wins Her First Clay-Court Major Title
Coco Gauff captured her second Grand Slam title and her first major win on clay at Roland Garros. The 21-year-old American delivered a flawless campaign at the 2025 French Open, earning 2,000 WTA points and a $2,760,946 prize.
Gauff cruised past Australia’s Olivia Gadecki, Czech players Tereza Valentova and Marie Bouzkova, and Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova all in straight sets to reach the quarterfinals.
There, she faced Madison Keys and earned a comeback win after dropping the first set, 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-1.
In the semifinal, she defeated France’s Lois Boisson in straight sets to set up a final clash with the world No. 1.
In the championship match, Gauff lost the first set in a tiebreaker to Aryna Sabalenka, 7-6(5), but stormed back to win the next two sets 6-2, 6-4 and secure her maiden French Open title.
Looking ahead, Gauff is set to face Wang Xinyu at the Berlin Tennis Open on June 19. The match is scheduled for the iconic Steffi Graf Stadion.
