Veteran tennis star Venus Williams has been granted a wildcard entry into the mixed doubles event of the US Open 2025. The 44-year-old American will team up with compatriot Riley Opelka at Flushing Meadows for the season’s final Grand Slam.
Williams returns after long break
Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, made her comeback earlier this month at the DC Open following a 16-month injury layoff. She recorded her first WTA singles win in nearly two years by defeating Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4. It marked her 819th career singles victory and made her the oldest WTA match winner since Martina Navratilova in 2004.
Though she lost in the second round to Magdalena Frech, Williams is reportedly eyeing a wildcard for the singles event as well, with the official list expected to be announced by USTA in the week of August 11.
Her doubles partner, 6-foot-11 Opelka, is also making a return after an extended absence due to injuries. The 27-year-old was once ranked in the ATP top 20 but has dropped to No. 74.
Alcaraz to debut in mixed doubles
Another exciting wildcard entry is the pairing of world number two Carlos Alcaraz and 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu. The Spanish star, who already holds singles titles at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open, will make his debut in mixed doubles.
Their inclusion adds star power to the draw, which already features elite combinations such as Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva, Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina, and Iga Swiatek with Casper Ruud.
Strong line-up and notable omissions
Eight teams entered the event via combined rankings, including top-seeded Jannik Sinner and American Emma Navarro, as well as Jack Draper paired with Paula Badosa, and Zverev with Belinda Bencic.
Other wildcards include Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic, Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe, and world doubles No. 1 Taylor Townsend with Ben Shelton
However, several high-profile pairs missed out, such as Aryna Sabalenka–Grigor Dimitrov, Naomi Osaka–Nick Kyrgios, and Katie Boulter–Alex de Minaur.
The US Open mixed doubles event promises a blend of experience and youth, with Williams’ return and Alcaraz’s debut among the key storylines to watch.
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