Picture this:One night comprising some of the biggest tennis stars of the current and past generations stepping on the court to swing their rackets while entertaining a packed crowd. Well, that’s exactly what the ‘Stars of the Open’ experience will offer this week to all tennis lovers in New York at the US Open. The likes of Andy Roddick, Juan Martín del Potro, Dana Mathewson, Casey Ratzlaff, and even 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy João Fonseca will show up. But guess what? There’s more to this upcoming tennis madness, thanks to reigning French Open queen Coco Gauff. Wait, isn’t she going to focus solely on her singles campaign?

Gauff just took to her Instagram story, several hours ago, officially confirming that she’s teamed up with eight-time slam king and former ATP icon Andre Agassi during the Stars of the Open event. Yes, she’s going to be part of this special mixed doubles experience. But who will be their opponents? Well, they happen to be iconic as well. Comeback queen Venus Williams, 45, accompanied by ex-ATP pro and seven-time major winner John McEnroe. All these four stars will mark the beginning of the event with their encounter, set to take place on August 21 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Interestingly, Gauff had initially skipped this season’s US Open mixed doubles event, which is currently underway. The revamped format features 16 teams competing for a lucrative $1 million prize. While she chose to not appear there, the 21-year-old has opted to be at Stars of the Open.

Over two months ago, Gauff had made her thoughts clear on why she didn’t opt for the mixed doubles extravaganza. “For me personally, I most likely won’t be participating just because it’s not a great time for me. I just think it will take away for the preparation from US Open,” reported the Daily Express US on June 17.

She did mention that it was an “interesting situation because, obviously, I’m not a mixed doubles player. Some rely on that income. Yeah, it’s an event that’s been there forever.” Concluding her remarks, the two-time slam champion added, “It’s one of those things that I feel like I have to wait and see how it pans out over time, pans out after it happens and see how it can affect the sport in the whole. But yeah, I probably won’t be participating just because the timing isn’t a good time for me.” While she maybe gearing up for the exhibition experience this week, Gauff’s main objective remains set for her singles campaign in New York.

Coco Gauff looks to make it big at the US Open in 2025

Back in 2023, Coco Gauff created history at the Flushing Meadows when she won the trophy. Being 19, she became the first teenager, since 23-time slam queen and former WTA icon Serena Williams, to capture the US Open title in 24 years.

However, last year’s edition didn’t prove to be so amazing for Gauff. She failed to defend her title after compatriot Emma Navarro ousted her in the fourth round with a score line of 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. And this season’s been mostly underwhelming for the 21-year-old. Yes, she did win a slam, over two months ago in Paris – but that was the only silver lining for her 2025 journey.

Following the French Open triumph, Gauff has struggled to maintain consistency in subsequent events. At Wimbledon, she was edged out in the first round last month. Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska stunned the American in straight sets. Then at the Canadian Open, the World No.3 lost against 18-year-old prodigy and eventual champion Victoria Mboko in the fourth round.

Gauff’s Cincinnati run was short-lived as well. Last week, she lost against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the quarterfinal round. The current form is not amazing for the American, heading into the US Open. However, she would like to regain the lost spirits in order to make a stellar comeback on the court. Do you think she will be able to do it eventually in New York? Let us know in the comments below.