Ben Shelton and Taylor Townsend made a bold entrance into the 2025 US Open mixed doubles draw with a commanding win over Holger Rune and Amanda Anisimova. From the first serve, Shelton’s explosive power and Townsend’s net finesse created a dynamic rhythm that Rune and Anisimova struggled to match. The first set saw both teams exchange early breaks, but Shelton and Townsend capitalized on Rune’s shaky service game at 2-3, breaking to take the set 4-2.

Momentum Builds in the Second Set

The second set began with Shelton serving, but a surprising misfire allowed Anisimova to break early. The game quickly tightened, reaching 1-1 after a sharp volley from Shelton at the net. The crowd was treated to a series of highlight-reel exchanges, with Townsend’s overheads and Shelton’s daring net play keeping the pressure on. At 3-2, Anisimova held serve to level the score, but the American duo responded with steady play to force a tiebreak.

Closing the Match in Style

In the tiebreak, Townsend and Shelton surged ahead with a 4-1 lead, thanks to Townsend’s aggressive positioning and Shelton’s pinpoint returns. With the score at 5-2, Shelton stepped up to serve and sealed the match with a clean winner. The final score read 4-2, 5-4 (7-2), marking a confident start to their campaign.

Looking Ahead to Round 2

Shelton and Townsend now advance to face the winner of the match between Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison versus Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev. With their blend of power and precision, the American pair has already established themselves as strong contenders in this year’s mixed doubles field.

Holger Rune in 2025

Now the world no.11, the Dane played his last match on the 14^th of August when he was defeated by world no.69 Terence Atmane 6-2 6-3 in the quarter in Cincinnati (draw).

Currently, during this season Rune has managed to achieve a compiled 27-16 win-loss record. This year, Rune lifted the trophy in Barcelona. The Dane was the finalist in Indian Wells.

Ben Shelton in 2025

Now ranked no.6 (career-high), the American played his last match on the 15^th of August when he lost to world no.3 Alexander Zverev 6-2 6-2 in the quarter in Cincinnati (draw).

Currently, during this year Ben has a composed 35-17 record. This year, the American lifted the trophy in Toronto. The American was the finalist in Munich.

Holger Rune and Ben Shelton faced off only once. Their head to head is 1-0 for Rune.