A ‘glorified exhibition’? – US Open mixed doubles divides opinion

US Open 2025

Dates: August 24 through September 7 in Flushing Meadows, New York

The updated US Open mixed doubles are unavoidable, regardless of whether you like or dislike it.

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) made a bold move by enticed the superstars to play with substantial cash prizes, a shorter format, and a new slot before the singles begin.

Those who play, watch, and enjoy the sport are polarized by it, which has also caused both excitement and criticism.

In a market that is constantly rifling and oversaturated, some think it will encourage more tennis fans.

“We are always trying to find new ways to make our sport more engaging for fans.” Daniela Hantuchova, who won the US Open mixed doubles title in 2005, described it as “fabulous.”

Others contend that it devalues a Grand Slam title and saps doubles players of their chance to win the big prize money, respectively.

The purpose of the US Open’s announcement to “reimagine” mixed doubles was to “elevate” the competition and put “a greater emphasis” on the sport.

The first set of star names was undoubtedly announced with more interest.

The most attention was drawn to Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek, and Venus Williams, who are now five-time Grand Slam champions together.

It’s a cool idea to have that star power come out, according to American doubles legend Mike Bryan, who also helped raise the level of excitement and confound the stadium.

Even when they are brushing their teeth, “fans want to see Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Sinner.”

Eight teams are selected from the 16 competitors based on their joint rankings, with the other eight receiving wildcards from US Open organizers.

Twenty-one of the 32 players are among the top 20 in the world in singles.

The two biggest show courts at Flushing Meadows, Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium, will host matches.

ESPN, who last year signed a £1.5bn deal for exclusive US Open rights up until 2037, will also be available on primetime.

Bryan, who won four of his 22 Grand Slam doubles titles in the mixed, continued, “I think it’s cool for the promotion of the game – and I understand the economics of it.”

The top singles stars are undoubtedly at fault for USTA CEO Lew Sherr’s claim that “the players are behind” the revamp.

Djokovic acknowledges the differences between opinion leaders, but he claims to be “excited” to compete in what he perceives to be a “very entertaining” event.

The format, which will feature British stars Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper, serves as useful singles preparation, according to Swiatek, who also thinks it will be a competitive test.

However, there are no glaring doubles pairings.

Only Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who won the title last year and both publicly opposed the change, have been given the wildcard.

Leading actors’ desire to get involved shouldn’t surprise them.

There is a lucrative prize pot, which has been particularly upsetting for the doubles specialists who are missing out due to the shortened format and convenient scheduling.

The winning pair will make $1 million (£740,000), which is five times the amount Errani and Vavassori made the previous year.

It’s frustrating, he said. According to Murray, who has won three US Open mixed titles, “that money is going to players who are making an absolute boatload” .

The stars have also received appearance fees, which a source told BBC Sport are upwards of $50, 000 (£37, 000) each.

The US Open’s record $ 90 million (£ 66 million) purse is also made up of about 75% of singles prize money.

The doubles players’ main source of consternation is losing a chance to win a Grand Slam.

At JFK Airport, Murray and Bethanie Mattek-Sands celebrated by sprinkling champagne out of their trophy after winning their third consecutive US Open mixed title with Murray in 2019.

Murray and other doubles players concur that the extravagant event could complement the traditional mixed but not replace it.

“I’m confident that it will be an entertaining exhibition,” she said. Joe Salisbury, who defeated Brazil’s Luisa Stefani in the mixed doubles final last month, said to BBC Sport, “I don’t see it as winning a Grand Slam.”

The lack of consultation is another issue.

According to Salisbury and Stefani, the US Open does not have discussions with the players, who are elected to the WTA and ATP councils.

A prominent WTA council member, Pegula, agreed that the USTA had “gone rogue,” adding that if there had been feedback on the format, the [reaction] would have been slightly different.

There would have likely been opposition, Stefani said.

The Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon all adhere to the traditional format, according to multiple sources who have spoken to BBC Sport.

Crucially, they do not have the same amount of money to pay for the appearance and prize money as the US Open.

However, Melbourne, Paris, and London will not be left out if the New York event is a smashing success.

In the week leading up to the main draws, all majors are becoming more aware of the importance of maximising earning opportunities, whether through qualifying, exhibitions, or fan events.

At some joint ATP-WTA events, Hantuchova suggests that the new-look mixed doubles could be introduced.

She said, “I think it would be a great initiative in Indian Wells, Miami, or Madrid.”

The US Open is a great opportunity for the women’s players, according to the fans who have already attended the event.