The US Open is on the horizon and for some players, the newly formed mixed doubles tournament is eagerly anticipated.
In an attempt to create more intrigue in the doubles game, the US Open are going to trial this exhibition-style tournament for the very first time.
Emma Navarro has already given Jannik Sinner some advice ahead of their tilt at the title and there are some other fascinating teams in the competition.
Some teams have already withdrawn from the competition, with some experts not being big fans of the concept ahead of it being trialled for the first time.
Novak Djokovic has delivered his verdict on the mixed doubles competition and now the talk has started to turn towards the forthcoming tournament.
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty ImagesElena Rybakina picks the two players she wants to play at the US Open
One thing this event will do is give the female players a chance to truly see the men up close on the court.
Rybakina is down to partner Taylor Fritz at the inaugural event and that does feel like a formidable partnership with a nice blend of the attributes needed for a competent doubles team.
The Ukrainian player has been asked about the competition and it would seem as though there are two players who she would love to play against when it comes to the men.
She said in her recent press conference: “Everyone is very strong. I saw Aryna is playing with Grigor. Alcaraz is playing. Sinner is playing. I don’t know how it’s going to be exactly, because for now it’s 25, I think, players. But who’s going to be in the 16? Yeah, every player is difficult.
“In terms of who I want to play, it depends, I think Alcaraz, Sinner, definitely, to see how they hit and just feel how the ball is coming. But it’s not going to be easy with each player who is there.”
Rybakina will look to finish 2025 with a flourish
With Fritz flexing his credentials recently at Wimbledon by reaching the semi-finals, he will once again fancy a positive US Open after losing in last year’s final.
Rybakina hasn’t won a big title for a little while, and playing in the mixed doubles event might be the perfect tune-up for the final Grand Slam of the year.
The 26-year-old won Wimbledon in 2022 and it’s perhaps a surprise that she’s not claimed another Grand Slam title during her career just yet.
Rybakina will be desperate to change that, and with that in mind, the world number 11 will want to try and go deep at the US Open in both the mixed doubles and the singles.