“I’m not even sure who reached out to who” – Holger Rune reveals why he is ‘super happy’ to team up with Amanda Anisimova for US Open mixed doubles
Holger Rune, the world No. 7 tennis star, recently shared his excitement about partnering with Amanda Anisimova for the revamped mixed doubles event at the 2025 US Open, scheduled for August 19-20. In a post-match press conference at the National Bank Open in Toronto, Rune commented, “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.” This statement followed his 7-6(7), 6-3 victory over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, showcasing his strong form heading into the US Open.
The pairing of Rune and Anisimova is a notable addition to the updated US Open mixed doubles entry list, which features high-profile duos like Venus Williams and Reilly Opelka. The tournament, now offering a $1 million prize for the winning team, has attracted singles stars due to its new format, with only 16 pairs competing—eight securing spots via combined singles rankings and eight via wild-card invitations. Rune and Anisimova, both top-ranked singles players, are likely to gain direct entry, given Anisimova’s career-high No. 7 ranking and Rune’s consistent top-10 presence.
Rune’s enthusiasm stems from Anisimova’s impressive 2025 season, highlighted by her Wimbledon final appearance, where she upset world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka before falling to Iga Świątek. Anisimova’s powerful baseline game and recent resurgence after a 2023 mental health hiatus make her a formidable partner. Rune, a 22-year-old Dane known for his aggressive play and 12 aces in his Toronto win, complements her style, promising a dynamic duo. Their lack of clarity on how the partnership formed—Rune humorously attributed it to “agents and stuff”—adds a lighthearted note to their collaboration.
The US Open’s mixed doubles event, moved to the week before singles play, has generated buzz with additions like Karolina Muchova and Andrey Rublev, and Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur. However, notable withdrawals, including Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas due to their breakup and Badosa’s back injury, have reshaped the field. For Rune and Anisimova, this partnership offers a chance to capitalize on their singles momentum and vie for the lucrative title, blending star power with competitive potential in a refreshed tournament format.
