Introduction to the New Doubles Mixto Format
The US Open aims for a bustling doubles competition in 2025, prioritizing the doubles category for top individual players who usually don’t participate in regular doubles. This change comes with modified rules, making the doubles mixto event independent and taking place a week before the main draw on Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Event Details and Participating Teams
The doubles mixto tournament will feature 16 teams, with the winning team receiving a $1 million prize – an increase from $800,000 in 2024. Despite some resistance from certain players, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) aims to elevate the doubles mixto format by attracting high-profile individual players and increasing the tournament’s visibility.
- Teams:
- Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu vs. Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper
- Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic vs. Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev
Reactions from the Tennis Community
Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori of Italy (the only doubles specialists in this year’s draw) called the changes a “deep injustice.” Meanwhile, former world No. 1 in doubles Kristina Mladenovic described the event as a “super exhibition.”
Half of the participants are selected based on individual rankings, while the other half is chosen by the USTA. This approach has drawn mixed reactions from players, with some finding it somewhat absurd.
Gaby Dabrowski, a Canadian doubles champion and 2023 US Open women’s doubles winner, attempted to enter the tournament with Felix Auger-Aliassime but did not receive invitations from the USTA.
“Do I believe this is a true doubles championship? No. But could it help doubles in the end if no doubles players are involved?” Dabrowski said.
“It’s going to be a real Grand Slam. The cash prize is fantastic,” said Taylor Fritz, the 2024 US Open individual runner-up.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the new doubles mixto format? The US Open has introduced a standalone doubles mixto event, featuring top individual players who usually don’t participate in regular doubles. It will take place a week before the main draw on Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadium.
- How many teams are participating? Sixteen teams will compete in the doubles mixto event.
- What is the prize money for winning? The winning team will receive $1 million.
- How have players reacted to this change? Reactions are mixed, with some praising the increased visibility and prize money while others express concerns about the involvement of doubles specialists.
