The details of the Eisenhower Cup 2025: Sushi, dance, and mixed doubles action steal the spotlight
Tennis News
The Eisenhower Cup grabbed the spotlight today during the traditional mixed doubles exhibition at Indian Wells. In a fun-filled day, Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz emerged victorious after defeating Madison Keys and Tommy Paul in the final.
The top 32 seeds in each draw are still waiting for their debuts starting on Friday, while many players took the opportunity to play some mixed doubles tie-breaks. Daniil Medvedev and Amanda Anisimova joined the lineup last minute after Paula Badosa withdrew due to injury, prompting her boyfriend, Stefanos Tsitsipas, to also withdraw in solidarity.
The former US Open champion and the American took a relaxed approach. In a fun moment captured on social media, Madison Keys and Tommy Paul were seen warming up while waiting for their turn to enter the court, while Anisimova and Medvedev relaxed, covered with a blanket, with the former world No. 1 eating sushi before heading back on court
Another eye-catching moment had Americans Madison Keys and Emma Nabarro having fun as they danced on the side of the court after the exhibition was over.
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The doubles stars also took part in a fun video before the exhibition match, where each pair faced off in a ‘rock-paper-scissors’ challenge, with ATP and WTA stars competing. Katie Boulter and Alex De Minaur, Ben Shelton and Emma Navarro, or Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz participated.
What caught attention in the comments was the unique way Jasmine Paolini and Lorenzo Musetti played the game, performing a rather peculiar move. In fact, Australian Daria Saville left a comment for her Italian colleagues: “the Italian way tho,” she joked.
The champion duo, Rybakina and Fritz, also shared their thoughts after finishing the exhibition. "The strategy was just to take care of our serves. We’re both big servers, and before we started, I said that if we both serve well, I don’t know how we’re gonna lose," Fritz commented after claiming victory alongside the 2022 Wimbledon champion.
"It was really fun, and also, Taylor was giving me some advice on the return. Since the guys’ serves are so strong, it’s not easy to return, but I think we did great. Yeah, super happy," Rybakina added.
The duo also discussed the possibility of teaming up for mixed doubles in the future. Fritz admitted that he had already asked the Kazakh star about playing together in the last Grand Slam of the year. "I just asked if she wants to play mixed at the US Open, so hopefully she said yes."
"Hopefully, we’ll play," Rybakina responded.
Taylor Fritz 🤝 Elena Rybakina
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) March 5, 2025
“I just asked Elena if she wants to play mixed at the US Open” 👀 pic.twitter.com/2lsJ6e0gPn
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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