Wild card Taylor Townsend and Ben Shelton will face fourth seed Holger Rune and Amanda Anisimova in a blockbuster first-round mixed doubles clash at the 2025 US Open. This match brings together four players who have each enjoyed breakthrough seasons in their own right. With Townsend’s elite doubles run, Shelton’s singles rise into the ATP Top 10, Rune’s consistency at the highest level, and Anisimova’s summer surge.
Bringing the entertainment 🤩
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 8, 2025
Ben Shelton and Taylor Townsend are ready to bring the show to the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship! pic.twitter.com/DAeiTVwOc3
Townsend enters as the most seasoned doubles player of the group, holding the World No. 1 ranking in a year that includes the Australian Open crown alongside Katerina Siniakova and further titles in Dubai and Washington. She has thrived across partnerships, with her sharp instincts making her a threat.
Teaming up with Shelton, one of the ATP’s fastest-rising stars, only adds to the intrigue. Shelton captured his maiden Masters 1000 trophy in Toronto, reached the semifinals in Melbourne, and has turned heads with his fearless power game. His booming serve and aggressive baseline play could complement Townsend’s doubles savvy perfectly.
Hard not to tear up listening to Taylor's D.C. champion's speech 🥹
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) July 26, 2025
Townsend will reign as the new WTA doubles No. 1 on Monday.#MubadalaDCCitiOpen pic.twitter.com/bnLOUy97x6
On the opposite side, Rune has carved out another strong campaign with a Barcelona singles title and a 61% win rate in 2025, underscoring his ability to deliver on big stages. At just 21, his relentless baseline intensity and sharp return game remain his biggest weapons. His partner, Anisimova, has been in brilliant form, highlighted by a Wimbledon final appearance and her maiden WTA 1000 title in Qatar. With her newfound confidence and multiple Top 10 wins this year, she gives the pairing a legitimate edge.
Taylor Townsend/Ben Shelton and Holger Rune/Amanda Anisimova do not have a head-to-head record yet.
At the 2025 #USOpen Holger Rune is partnering Amanda Anisimova for the Mixed Doubles competition where they are #4 seeds
— Holger Rune News (@running_rune) August 18, 2025
They have drawn American duo Taylor Townsend and Ben Shelton. They play tomorrow on Louis Armstrong Stadium NB 1:30 pm. pic.twitter.com/MOweGMDUSj
| Townsend/Shelton | Category | Rune/Anisimova |
| 2 / 0 | Doubles Grand Slams | 0 / 0 |
| 0 / 3 | WTA Singles Titles | 5 / 3 |
| 10 / 0 | WTA Doubles Titles | 0 / 0 |
| No. 1 / No. 128 | Current Doubles Ranking | – |
| No. 1 / No. 68 | Career-Best Doubles Ranking | No. 176 / No. 386 |
On paper, Townsend’s tactical doubles instincts combined with Shelton’s fearless serving and shot-making give the American team a well-rounded arsenal for mixed doubles success. Rune’s grinding baseline consistency and Anisimova’s recent surge make them more than capable of springing an upset, yet the chemistry and complementary skill set of Townsend and Shelton could prove decisive.
Good morning, @TaylorTownsend and @BenShelton 👋
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 19, 2025
We see the nails, Taylor 💅 pic.twitter.com/9Z46rBeA7u
Prediction: Taylor Townsend/Ben Shelton in straight sets.
Townsend/Shelton enter as the clear favorites at 4/11, while Rune/Anisimova are slight underdogs at 2/1.
Here are the betting odds for Taylor Townsend/Ben Shelton vs. Holger Rune/Amanda Anisimova as per betting markets:
Taylor Townsend/Ben Shelton: 4/11
Holger Rune/Amanda Anisimova: 2/1
Mandatory Image Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
nfl
mma I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.
Read moreWe use cookies for ads and to improve your experience. By continuing on the site, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Read more about it