U.S. Open 2025 Revamps Mixed Doubles, Sparking Debate

The 2025 U.S. Open has introduced a series of significant changes to its mixed doubles tournament, aiming to elevate the event's profile and attract top singles players. These modifications include a substantial increase in prize money, a revised schedule, and a new match format. While the initiative seeks to boost fan engagement, it has sparked controversy among doubles specialists who feel marginalized by the overhaul.

Traditionally, the mixed doubles competition ran concurrently with the singles and doubles events during the U.S. Open. This year, however, the tournament is scheduled for August 19-20, preceding the main singles draw, and will be held during the U.S. Open Fan Week. The draw has been reduced from 32 to 16 teams, with eight teams receiving direct entry based on their combined singles rankings and the remaining eight granted wildcard entries. The match format has also been adjusted: sets are played to four games with no-ad scoring, and tiebreakers occur at four-all. If teams split sets, a 10-point match tiebreak replaces the third set. The final will consist of sets played to six games, maintaining the no-ad scoring and tiebreakers at six-all. The champions will receive a $1 million prize, a significant increase from the previous $200,000. (usopen.org)

The revamped format has attracted high-profile singles players. Notable pairings include Carlos Alcaraz with Emma Raducanu, Iga Swiatek with Casper Ruud, and Novak Djokovic with Olga Danilovic. These star-studded teams have generated significant fan interest, with ticket prices for their matches exceeding $500 on resale platforms. (reuters.com)

However, the changes have been met with criticism from the doubles community. Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori were not included in the 2025 lineup, leading to accusations that the event marginalizes doubles specialists. In a joint statement, the Italian duo described the overhaul as a "profound injustice" that "disrespects an entire category of players." (tennis.com)

Jessica Pegula, world number four and WTA Player Council member, expressed support for the initiative but criticized the lack of communication between organizers and players. She emphasized the need for better dialogue to ensure smoother implementation of such changes. (reuters.com)

The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) defends the changes as a strategy to boost the sport's popularity by involving high-profile singles stars. The reimagined mixed doubles event is intended to take center stage during the U.S. Open Fan Week, with planned primetime ESPN and international broadcast coverage. (usopen.org)

This is the first time the U.S. Open has implemented such significant changes to the mixed doubles format. The previous format featured 32 teams and traditional scoring methods. The substantial increase in prize money and the inclusion of top singles players are unprecedented moves aimed at elevating the profile of the mixed doubles event.

The U.S. Open's mixed doubles overhaul represents a bold attempt to rejuvenate the event and attract a broader audience. However, the resulting controversy underscores the delicate balance between innovation and tradition in the world of professional tennis.