Holger Rune has expressed enthusiasm about joining forces with Amanda Anisimova for the mixed doubles event at the 2025 US Open, highlighting the excitement around this revamped competition format. Currently competing at the National Bank Open in Toronto, Rune is balancing his ATP Masters 1000 campaign while preparing for the upcoming Grand Slam alongside Anisimova, the Wimbledon singles runner-up.

In Toronto, Rune, seeded fifth, started his tournament with a second-round match against France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard after receiving a first-round bye. Rune served 12 aces and successfully converted one break point during the 7-6(7), 6-3 victory, demonstrating strong form as he progresses through the event. The Dane then addressed the media following his win, offering insights into the new mixed doubles setup at the US Open and his partnership with Anisimova.

Holger Rune Praises the US Open’s New Mixed Doubles Format and Teaming with Amanda Anisimova

Rune took the opportunity at his post-match press conference to express approval of the US Open’s decision to schedule mixed doubles matches during the tournament‘s preparation week rather than the demanding second week. This change aims to attract top singles players who usually skip mixed doubles due to fatigue concerns from their singles matches.

“It’s a great idea for the US Open to do a mixed doubles event. Because for singles players, and especially top singles players, there’s not many who wants to play the mixed doubles, because it’s in the second week of the tournament, so it’s usually where you need more rest than playing. I think it’s a fun idea to do it in the preparation week,” —Holger Rune, ATP No. 9

The 22-year-old highlighted Anisimova’s impressive recent form, noting her run to the Wimbledon final and how their team-up came about.

“Amanda has been playing extremely well in the past. She’s been, you know, obviously making the Wimbledon final. And she was available, so I reached out and she was happy to play. Actually, I’m not even sure who reached out to who, to be honest. Because, you know, it’s the agents and stuff like that. But I’m super happy. She’s a great player, very nice person, so that’s going to be fun to share the court with her.” —Holger Rune, ATP No. 9

Upcoming Matches for Rune and Anisimova at the National Bank Open

Looking ahead in Toronto, Rune will face the 29th seed Alexandre Muller in the third round at the ATP Masters 1000 event. Muller advanced by overcoming Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round, setting up a first-time encounter with Rune on the ATP Tour. This match offers another test for the Dane as he builds momentum toward the US Open.

Meanwhile, Amanda Anisimova is competing in Montreal this week at the WTA 1000 National Bank Open, where she will meet Lulu Sun in the second round. As the tournament’s fifth seed, Anisimova is favored to move forward and gain valuable match play after a difficult loss to Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon’s singles final, where she was defeated 0-6, 0-6.

Significance of the Partnership for the US Open and Future Prospects

The decision to revive mixed doubles in a more accessible format allows leading singles players like Rune and Anisimova to showcase their skills in doubles without compromising their singles performances. Their partnership represents a fresh opportunity to engage fans with high-quality doubles matches featuring top-ranked players. With both players displaying strong form leading into the US Open, their collaboration could become a highlight of the tournament.

As this season unfolds, Rune’s performances in Toronto and Anisimova’s efforts in Montreal will set the tone for their mixed doubles campaign in New York. Their shared optimism and professional camaraderie may inspire exciting moments on the court, contributing to the evolving appeal of the US Open’s mixed doubles competition.