Legends Match Event at the 2025 US Open: Clijsters/Rafter vs. Mattek-Sands/Safin
Date:
08/09/2025Legends Match Event at the 2025 US Open: Clijsters/Rafter vs. Mattek-Sands/Safin
A celebratory mixed-doubles exhibition brought Kim Clijsters and Patrick Rafter together against Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Marat Safin at Louis Armstrong Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2025.
A Sunday to Remember at Louis Armstrong Stadium
The 2025 US Open paused the intensity of the main draw to serve up pure nostalgia, flair, and fun with the Legends Match Event. In a lively mixed-doubles exhibition, Bethanie Mattek-Sands teamed with 2000 champion Marat Safin to take on three-time champion Kim Clijsters and two-time champion Patrick Rafter. The crowd soaked in the friendly banter, feathered volleys, and throwback athleticism that defined an era.
The Legends Lineup
| Player | Distinction | US Open singles titles |
|---|---|---|
| Bethanie Mattek-Sands | Dynamic doubles specialist and fan favorite | — |
| Marat Safin | Power baseline icon | 1 (2000) |
| Kim Clijsters | All-court great with explosive movement | 3 |
| Patrick Rafter | Serve-and-volley maestro | 2 |
Match Moments That Lit Up the Stadium
- A jubilant high-five between Clijsters and Rafter captured the event’s spirited tone, reminding everyone that showmanship and smiles belong on a major stage.
- Mattek-Sands choreographed poaches at the net while Safin uncorked clean, heavy strikes from the baseline—classic contrast, perfect chemistry.
- Clijsters’ service rhythm looked as smooth as ever, followed by crisp first-ball aggression.
- Rafter’s trademark kick serve and silky touch at net brought back memories of his prime.
From playful on-court chats to improvisational tactics, the pairs embraced the exhibition spirit while still delivering sequences that had the crowd on their feet.
Why It Mattered
Legends exhibitions bridge generations. They remind seasoned fans what made them fall in love with the sport and give newer fans a living snapshot of historic styles—Rafter’s serve-and-volley patterns, Safin’s baseline power, Clijsters’ explosive counterpunching, and Mattek-Sands’ instinctive doubles craft. It was tennis as theater, minus the rankings pressure.
Quick Notes
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Venue: Louis Armstrong Stadium, New York
- Format: Mixed-doubles exhibition featuring past champions and crowd favorites
From an Emirati Fan’s Seat
Watching from the UAE, I loved how the evening blended humor with high-quality shotmaking—proof that tennis can be both elite sport and joyful performance. For young players back home, this was a masterclass in variety and court craft.
