The revamped U.S. Open mixed doubles tournament kicks off on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, promising both excitement and controversy. Sixteen teams featuring top singles players and elite doubles specialists will compete for a $1 million prize over two days, ahead of the singles matches.
This new format has drawn criticism from established doubles players who feel it undermines their discipline, while the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) argues that the previous arrangement was already doing that.
New Mixed Doubles Format Overview
Last year, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori won in a traditional 32-team draw alongside singles events. This year’s champions will navigate four matches in just two days, with three of those being shorter than standard matches. The round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals will adopt a best of three sets format, with the sets played to four games. If tied, a 10-point tiebreak will decide the winner. The final will revert to the classic six-game format.
USTA executive Eric Butorac emphasizes the goal of showcasing the sport’s biggest stars playing together. He has spent the past year working to entice top players into participating.
Player Reactions to the New Format
Top singles players, including 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, have expressed their reservations about awarding a major title after just two days of play. Yet many still choose to compete, including Jessica Pegula, who has voiced criticism yet partners with Jack Draper.
While some seasoned doubles players feel sidelined, Butorac’s discussions with singles stars have sparked interest in this new format. Notably, Iga Świątek and Casper Ruud were quick to enter, and others like Ben Shelton actively selected experienced partners like Taylor Townsend.
Partnerships and Incentives
Team pairings have various backgrounds and motivations for entering. The prize money also plays a significant role; the total purse is $2.35 million, with substantial earnings for advancing teams. The winners stand to make $1 million, a significant increase from last year’s $200,000 for Errani and Vavassori.
The tournament runs on Aug. 19 and 20 at the Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadiums in Queens, New York, with ESPN covering the event comprehensively. The opening rounds begin at 11 a.m. ET, followed by the semifinals and the final at 7 p.m. ET on Aug. 20, featuring new camera technology and interviews between sets.
Predictions and Expectations
Should they compete, Siniaková and Sinner are seen as favorites, while emerging pairings like Raducanu and Alcaraz may struggle against more seasoned duos like Pegula and Draper. With several strong contenders, the mixed doubles championship is set to deliver thrilling matches and surprises.
(Photo credit: Robert Prange / Getty Images)
