Elena Rybakina, the Kazakhstani tennis star, may just be the answer to Taylor Fritz’s US Open aspirations. The pair, who recently partnered for the mixed doubles exhibition event at the Eisenhower Cup, showed their prowess on the court, snatching a trophy and sparking talk of a partnership that might extend to the US Open later this year.
Renowned for his powerful serve and commanding net presence, Fritz is no stranger to the Eisenhower Cup. His previous partnership with Aryna Sabalenka saw them clinch the title at the 2023 charity match. However, with Sabalenka sitting out this year, Fritz teamed up with Rybakina in an unexpected yet potent pairing.
Their partnership was not a mere experiment. The duo stormed through the competition, giving their opponents little chance of overcoming them. It was a performance that left spectators and players alike wondering if this newly formed team could carry their success to future tournaments.
The prospective partnership gained even more attention when Fritz openly invited Rybakina to join him in the US Open mixed doubles event. His proposal followed his support for the US Open’s controversial changes to the mixed doubles format.
The 2025 US Open will see a 16-team draw with eight teams gaining direct entry based on their singles rankings. The tournament has also moved the event to the week before the singles main draw, a change that Fritz has expressed excitement about. However, they may face stiff competition from tennis power couples like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa, and Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter, who have also shown interest in participating.
Fritz and Rybakina’s winning formula at the Eisenhower Cup was a testament to their individual strengths and mutual chemistry. Both former Indian Wells champions, they started their victorious journey with a decisive 10-4 win over Daniil Medvedev and Amanda Anisimova, and maintained their momentum right to the final, securing a $200,000 cash prize.
Fritz attributes their success to their serving prowess. He stated, “The strategy was just, take care of our serves – we’re both big servers. I think if we both serve well, I don’t know how we’re really gonna lose.” Rybakina echoed his sentiment and praised Fritz for helping her adjust to the unique challenges of mixed doubles.
Their future as a mixed doubles team remains to be seen, but both players are set to compete in singles at Indian Wells. Fritz, the third seed in the men’s draw, and Rybakina, the seventh seed in the women’s, are both seeded for the second round.
For now, the Eisenhower Cup victory is a testament to their potential as a team. As we wait to see if they’ll bring their partnership to the US Open, one thing is clear: Fritz and Rybakina are a force to be reckoned with.