The US Open’s audacious redesign of its mixed doubles tournament has received a significant endorsement as another high-profile tennis duo signaled their intent to participate. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of the event format, aiming to stoke greater interest and participation.
The newly-restructured tournament, now scheduled for the week preceding the US Open’s commencement, will be crammed into a tight two-day window. The tournament’s early-round matches will consist of best-of-three sets and the first to secure four games with no ad scoring will be declared the winner.
This radical shift comes with an enticing rise in prize money, a move that the organizers hope will draw more singles players into the competition. A total of 16 spots are on offer, and the stakes are high. Last year’s victors, the Italian duo of Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, took home $200,000. However, the 2025 winners can expect a staggering $1 million payout.
This year’s tournament format also promises to be inclusive, with eight teams securing direct entry based on their combined singles ranking, while the other eight will enter via wildcard entries.
Among those enticed by the revamped format are tennis couple Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa, both of whom rank in the top 20. The Greek player confirmed their plans to compete in the hard-court Grand Slam. “We are planning to play. She’s the mixed doubles partner I would always play with,” Tsitsipas stated. He made clear his singular preference for Badosa, commenting, “I don’t have any other options out there or any other female player that I would want to play mixed doubles with. She’s always under my consideration and always someone I would want to share the court with.”
The pair, known as Tsitsidosa, made their debut in the US Open mixed doubles last year but suffered a straight-sets defeat in the first round.
However, not everyone is on board with the changes. Reigning champions Errani and Vavassori have voiced their discontent, labeling the changes as a “profound injustice” that disrespects an entire category of players. They are still uncertain about their participation and the opportunity to defend their title.
Yet, the revamped format seems to be gathering support among singles players. Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter have also expressed their interest in forming one of the 16 teams. De Minaur, who is engaged to Boulter, shared his enthusiasm for the new format, stating, “The way it’s proposed now, it definitely entices a lot more of the singles players to play, and it’s an opportunity.”
The USTA’s controversial changes to the mixed doubles event have indeed stirred the pot. Yet, with high-profile endorsements and a hefty prize money increase, it appears the risk might just pay off. The world will be watching as the revamped tournament unfolds in the coming weeks.
