The announcement of the US Open mixed doubles lineup has stirred conversation, particularly because Coco Gauff is not among the participants. Tennis fans noticed the absence of both Gauff and Holger Rune in a list that includes nearly all of the top ATP and WTA players, raising questions about Coco Gauff US Open mixed doubles participation this year.
Andy Roddick Identifies Which Team He’d Replace for Coco Gauff
This year’s US Open mixed doubles draw features high-profile pairs such as Carlos Alcaraz with Emma Raducanu, Iga Swiatek partnered with Casper Ruud, and Madison Keys alongside Frances Tiafoe. Despite criticism aimed at the tournament’s previous formats, former world number one Andy Roddick has expressed support for the current lineup, viewing it as a step forward.
Speaking on Tennis Channel Live, Roddick underscored his belief that this lineup justifies the US Open’s bold changes:
“I have no idea, but anyone who has questioned this move from the US Open is wrong based on who is playing in this,”
— Andy Roddick, former world number one
“If our goal in doubles, mixed, whatever it is, is to grow the game this is the win. This is the win, this is how it happens.”
— Andy Roddick, former world number one
“This is absurd. I’ve always said tennis doesn’t really have like an all-star weekend, we don’t have that hype mechanism. You’re looking at an all-star weekend and this is going to be played the week before the US Open.”
— Andy Roddick, former world number one
With the tournament capped at 16 teams, Roddick faced the question of who would be removed to accommodate Gauff if she chose to participate. While he doubts Gauff will enter the event, he suggested that Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios could be displaced in that scenario due to their recent performances and accomplishments.
Roddick elaborated on the difficulty of such a decision, recognizing the challenges around real estate for endorsements and pre-tournament commitments:
“It’s a tough look, like Coco has said I’m not going to do it, I’d like to see it for a year,”
— Andy Roddick, former world number one
“Coco has a million endorsements and that’s the problem with real estate in New York City for her before the US Open.”
— Andy Roddick, former world number one
“I’d be surprised if she jumped in at this point, but I don’t want to be in charge of who you kick out of this draw. I mean Osaka/Kyrgios just based on recency, based on 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.”
— Andy Roddick, former world number one
Tracy Austin Shares Her Reaction to the US Open Mixed Doubles Roster
Andy Roddick was not alone in praising the revamped mixed doubles field. Two-time US Open singles champion and Wimbledon mixed doubles titleholder Tracy Austin expressed her admiration for the quality and structure of the lineup. She highlighted the impact of the new scoring system and substantial prize money in drawing top players.
Austin remarked on the timing and format that encourages player participation:
“Unbelievable and three all-American teams, and remember folks this is during the qualifying week so basically the US Open has just become a three-week event,”
— Tracy Austin, former US Open and Wimbledon champion
“It’s over two days so that really entices all these big name players to play, because it’s not a week-long and they’re playing sets up to four, no ad, not gonna take much and by the way a million dollars on the line! So great move by the USTA.”
— Tracy Austin, former US Open and Wimbledon champion
Austin also noted that last year’s defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori are part of the event, suggesting that while they may be one of the few specialist doubles teams present, the tournament is mainly attracting big names that fans want to watch. She enthusiastically praised the presence of emerging stars:
“Might be the only doubles pair that actually get in, but this is what the fans come to see. They want to see the [Jannik] Sinner’s, the [Carlos] Alcaraz’s, are you kidding me unbelievable names.”
— Tracy Austin, former US Open and Wimbledon champion
The US Open mixed doubles competition is scheduled for August 19-20, representing a concentrated, high-profile segment within the broader tournament week.
This renewed emphasis on star power and streamlined competition format illustrates the US Open’s efforts to inject fresh excitement and appeal into mixed doubles, potentially setting a new standard for future Grand Slam events.