"Here the most important thing is to have a good time, have fun"

After the first day of the experiment, the only thing we can affirm is that some pairs in the mixed doubles of the US Open 2025 connected better than others. We are talking, obviously, about tactical aspects on the court. Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud were among the most surprising, securing two clear victories to advance to the semifinals in the top half of the draw. Two very reserved profiles, well-known on clay courts, perhaps too many similarities for it not to work, although we weren't sure until we saw them in action. After doing the job, both went to the tournament's microphone to share their impressions. “Man, I'm sorry, but I felt much more pressure entering the Centre Court on the day I played the Wimbledon final,” Swiatek broke the ice in response to a humorous question from Sam Querrey, one of the chosen interviewers this year. “This tournament is also important; it's possibly the most important event of the year, but the Wimbledon final is something special, something different from everything else. Here, the most important thing is to have a good time, have fun, and be in the right mindset with your partner. All these factors can help you; I remember when I played doubles in my junior stage, it always helped me make new friendships. For instance, we had never played together, but we have good communication on the court, a great feeling. I stepped onto the court with nothing to lose; I just wanted to enjoy it,” said the World No. 2. Swiatek's feat is commendable, winning the title at the WTA 1000 in Cincinnati last Monday and, without even a day's rest, showing up in New York to compete in this mixed doubles draw. Essentially the same situation as Carlos Alcaraz, but in his case, winning the matches. “I don't mind; there's no problem, I could play the semifinals and final right now if needed. I feel good, this part of the season has given me a lot of confidence, so I'm trying to use it every time I step onto the court. I find all this super fun, so I could keep playing more matches today,” valued the Warsaw native, possibly the main rival to beat from next Sunday when the individual draws kick off. Ruud's Praise A funny – and a bit uncomfortable, let's not deny it – moment arose when Querrey asked the pair who took the first step to propose playing this mixed doubles. They both pointed to each other as if taking the first step were a crime, although the Norwegian quickly resolved the situation by publicly congratulating Iga for her recent trip's effort and her readiness to face the day with absolute professionalism. “It mattered a lot that we both were competing in the United Cup in January because, just a few weeks later, this new format for the US Open was announced. So I thought that maybe Iga could be a good partner for the tournament, and then she wrote to me days later, and I accepted, of course,” Ruud revealed, from his perspective. “It's a pleasure for me with her; everybody holds her in high esteem. Let's remember that she arrived at the hotel 12 hours ago after winning in Cincinnati, went to bed at 2:30 in the morning, and now she's here playing with me. I can only thank her,” Casper emphasized after defeating the pairs formed by Keys/Tiafoe and Mcnally/Musetti. This Wednesday in the semifinals, they will face Pegula/Draper.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, “Aquí lo más importante es pasar un buen rato, divertirse”