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Billie Jean King Praises Revamped US Open Mixed Doubles Format

Posted : 28 August 2025

Tennis great Billie Jean King has given her backing to the revamped US Open mixed doubles event, praising both the new format and the passion displayed by back-to-back champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. The Italian pair successfully defended their title, and King said their triumph reflected the emotion and pride that the competition can generate.

 

This year, tournament organisers introduced significant changes to the mixed doubles, offering a record $1 million prize for the winners and reducing the draw to just 16 pairs. Eight of the teams were selected based on combined singles rankings, while the remaining eight were awarded wildcards. The overhaul created a marquee line-up and drew larger crowds than in previous years, though the move was criticised by some doubles specialists who felt excluded from the elite field.

 

King, now 81 and a 39-time Grand Slam champion, was delighted with the atmosphere and the level of play. “That was my favourite event. I loved it. I got to watch it live, and it was fantastic,” she told reporters. “With the two who won again this year, they weren’t just playing for themselves—they were playing for all the other players too. There’s a lot of pride in that.”

 

The American icon, who won 11 Grand Slam titles in mixed doubles during her storied career, also spoke about the unique value of the discipline. “Mixed doubles is special because men and women compete together,” she said. “You know what happens? Women see that men can make mistakes too, and men realise, ‘Wow, you’re a lot better than I thought.’ I’m not kidding.”

 

For King, the revamped format has breathed new life into an event that was once low-profile, reaffirming its importance as a celebration of equality and teamwork in tennis.

 

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