LOVE MATCH ON AND OFF THE COURT: ALEX DE MINAUR AND KATIE BOULTER TEAM UP FOR US OPEN MIXED DOUBLES IN STYLE — AND HE’S NOT HOLDING BACK ON RIVALS 😏🎾💥

In a move that’s sending both tennis fans and tabloids buzzing, Australian tennis ace Alex de Minaur has officially teamed up with his fiancée, British star Katie Boulter, to compete in the newly revamped US Open Mixed Doubles event — and not without throwing a little playful shade at his high-profile competitors.

The power couple, fresh off a whirlwind year both on the court and in their personal lives, are aiming for more than just headlines. With the new format promising fast-paced action and a prize pot of $1 million (£738k), de Minaur and Boulter are making a bold statement: love and tennis might just be the ultimate winning combination.

“WE’VE GOT CHEMISTRY” — DE MINAUR’S CONFIDENT JAB

Speaking with a smile that hinted at more than a little competitive fire, de Minaur didn’t miss the opportunity to stir the pot. “I think it helps to be with someone you actually like on court,” he joked, when asked about teaming up with Boulter. “Some of those other pairings? Let’s just say, I don’t know if their off-court chemistry is going to help them return serve.”

While his comments were clearly tongue-in-cheek, they’ve lit up social media, with fans gleefully speculating which rivals he may have been referring to. Could it be Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu? Or Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro? Either way, it’s clear de Minaur is enjoying the spotlight — and isn’t shying away from a little gamesmanship before the action begins.

THE NEW MIXED DOUBLES FORMAT: FAST, FURIOUS, AND HIGH-STAKES

This year’s US Open mixed doubles event is getting a major makeover. Only 16 teams will be allowed to participate, and the competition will be held over just two days, using the fast-four scoring system — a high-speed format where sets are played to four games instead of six, adding unpredictability and pressure to every point.

Only eight teams will qualify based on singles rankings, while the remaining eight — including de Minaur and Boulter — must rely on wildcard entries from the U.S. Tennis Association. With limited spots and fierce competition, even star power might not be enough to secure a place, making the couple’s bid all the more compelling.

TENNIS’S NEW POWER COUPLE?

Both Alex and Katie have had standout seasons. De Minaur continues to climb the ATP rankings, solidifying his place as a consistent Top 10 threat. Meanwhile, Boulter has emerged as one of Britain’s top women’s players, known for her grit, style, and resilience.

Their relationship — which blossomed quietly off-court before going public — has quickly become one of tennis’s most talked-about romances. Now, with wedding bells reportedly on the horizon, fans are eager to see how their connection translates to mixed doubles success.

“They’re such a natural fit,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “You can see the mutual respect and love between them. I wouldn’t be surprised if they win the whole thing.”

STACKED FIELD OF STAR-STUDDED DUOS

While the chemistry between de Minaur and Boulter is undeniable, they’ll face stiff competition from some of tennis’s biggest names. Among the confirmed entries are:

Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu – both Grand Slam champions known for electric play and a growing friendship off the court.

Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro – the cool-headed Italian and the rising American star bring serious firepower.

Holger Rune and Amanda Anisimova – two of the tour’s most unpredictable talents teaming up could make for thrilling tennis… or total chaos.

With such a star-studded lineup, this year’s US Open mixed doubles could easily steal the show from the main draw. And with only two days of play, there’s no room for slow starts or miscommunication.

BEHIND THE SCENES: STRATEGY OR PUBLICITY?

Some analysts have speculated whether the entry of couples like de Minaur and Boulter is more about headlines than hardware — but insiders close to the pair say otherwise.

“They’ve been practicing together for weeks,” a source close to the couple told Tennis Weekly. “They’re not just doing this for fun. They want to win. And they believe they actually can.”

It’s a rare blend of romance and rivalry that has fans glued to every update — and marketers thrilled about the potential for viral moments.

ALEX & KATIE: MORE THAN A LOVE STORY

This isn’t the first time tennis has seen real-life couples compete together — think Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, or more recently, Gaël Monfils and Elina Svitolina — but the energy between Alex and Katie feels fresher, more relatable, and grounded in a shared competitive spirit.

Both are outspoken advocates for mental health and wellness in sports, and their openness about the challenges of long-distance relationships on tour has earned them admiration beyond the tennis world. They’re not just a pair of athletes; they’re a modern couple navigating fame, competition, and love — all under the bright lights of the biggest stages.

WHAT’S NEXT?

For now, the duo awaits confirmation of their wildcard entry — but if accepted, expect fireworks in New York. Whether they win or not, Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter are already winning hearts — and possibly changing the narrative around what it means to be a team.

As for de Minaur’s playful jab at the competition? Time will tell if it comes back to haunt him. But one thing’s certain: tennis has rarely been this fun to watch — or this personal.

FINAL SERVE

The US Open’s bold new mixed doubles format promises intense matches, stunning upsets, and now — thanks to Alex and Katie — a healthy dose of romance and rivalry. Whether they lift the trophy or not, this couple has already won the attention of tennis fans around the world. And judging by their smiles and swagger, they’re just getting started.