In the last 24 hours, the US Open have revealed its plans to revamp the Mixed Doubles event at this years tournament.
Taking to social media to announce the changes, the US Open account proudly stated that: ‘Mixed Doubles will take centre stage at the US Open in 2025’.
So what’s proposed?
- Primetime ESPN coverage
- Event held on the 2 largest arenas on site – Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadium
- To be held over 2 days during Qualifying Week
- 16 teams competing
- 8 entrants based on their singles ranking, and 8 Wildcard entries
- Format will be best of 3 sets, but only up to 4 games, with no-advantage. Deciding set to be a 10-point-tiebreak
- Final will be best of 3 sets, up to 6 games, with no-advantage. Deciding set to be a 10-point-tiebreak
Looking at most of these proposals, it’s no surprise to see that it hasn’t gone down well with fans and players alike. While it’s a great idea to play it on the big courts, and gain more TV exposure, the shortened format, and reduction of teams, certainly gives it exhibition event vibes, rather than a Grand Slam title.
What has the Response Been?
Paul McNamee, the great Australian doubles player said:
“Sets to 4 games in a Grand Slam? 16 teams with 8 based on singles rankings and 8 wildcards. I’m sorry, but the US Open now will not produce a bona fide mixed doubles winner. Devalued from a Grand Slam title to an exo. Let’s just say I’m in shock.”
Jan Zielinski, former World No.7 doubles player, and 2-time Mixed Doubles champion in 2024 wasn’t impressed:
“No communication with the players, no thought behind what it means to some peoples careers, no respect to the history and traditions. Sad to see.”
Edouard Roger-Vasselin, former No.6 ranked doubles player, and French Open Mixed doubles champion wrote:
“Terrible decision not to let the doubles Players play the mixed doubles at the US Open.”
Australian doubles player, Ellen Perez didn’t mince her words:
“Tell us that you think doubles players are trash, that tradition is overrated and job opportunity is a thing of the past without actually saying it.”
But perhaps the strongest statement has come from the reigning US Open champions, Sara Errani, and Andrea Vavassori, who were scathing and disappointed in their joint statement:
“Tradition and History.
Values very much underestimated in our times.
In our opinion making decisions just following the logic of profit is profoundly wrong in some situations.
Last year, to win the US Open together was one of the greatest moments in our careers. We felt unbelievable warmth and support from the Italian fans and this made us really happy.
Mixed doubles is not very well known, that’s true, but everything that’s part of a Slam competition – the History behind every single result – is unique and it’s a great honour to become part of it.
Coming back the following year and seeing your names engraved in the trophy board is one of the most special feelings in our sport.
You realize that you will be forever remembered as a small part of this important tournament.
In the last few weeks we received the news that US Open mixed doubles tournament will be completely turned upside down, cancelled and replaced with a pseudo-exhibition focused only on entertainment and show.
It will be played during the qualification tournament, with 8 pairs of players determined by highest single ranking and 8 pairs of players invited by the tournament with a wild card.
A decision made without consulting anyone, which we can do nothing but accept it.
We see it as a profound injustice, that disrespect an entire category of players.
Put money above tennis is never a good idea.
We don’t know at the moment if we’ll have the chance to defend our title, but we hope this will remain an isolated case and this type of policy will not be considered again in the future.“
The overwhelming majority of tennis fans on social media are in complete agreeance, with many making statements such as: ‘Mixed Doubles is now finished as a genuine Slam event”, “No-one could consider this a Major title anymore”, “Mixed Doubles is now a glorified practice for singles players”.
In fact, it’s very hard to find any positivity around this change. I suppose the positive is that the US Open is still a long way off, and if player and public sentiment remain strongly in the negative, perhaps there’s time to revert back to a format somewhat similar to what we’ve had for years.
There’s no doubt doubles in general needs innovation of some sort, so it’s not a bad thing to get people discussing it, but it seems the US Open has pushed just a little too hard.
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