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US Open Introduces Major Overhaul to Mixed Doubles Format, Draws Criticism

Posted : 12 February 2025

The US Tennis Association (USTA) has announced a major overhaul to the US Open's mixed doubles competition, unveiling plans for it to be held as a standalone event in the week before the main singles draws begin. Set for 19-20 August at Flushing Meadows, the competition will feature 16 teams, with half gaining direct entry based on their combined singles ranking and the other half receiving wild card spots. The event will be played with an amended rulebook, featuring best-of-three sets with sets abbreviated to first to four games and no-advantage scoring.

 

Each match will be played under these new guidelines, with tiebreaks at four-all, and a 10-point match tiebreak in place of a third set. The final will follow the same structure but will be played to six games, with tiebreaks at six-all. All matches will take place on the prestigious Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium courts, giving the mixed doubles event a prominent stage to showcase the players.

 

While US Open organizers, including USTA executive director Lew Sherr, expressed excitement over the changes, claiming that the move would elevate mixed doubles and attract more fans, not everyone is on board with the decision. Some critics argue that the restructuring could devalue the competition. Former doubles world No. 1 Paul McNamee condemned the shift, calling it a move that would strip the mixed doubles title of its prestige, comparing it to an exhibition rather than a Grand Slam event.

 

The decision was also met with backlash from the 2024 mixed doubles champions, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who criticized the changes as a "profound injustice." They argued that the shift, motivated by profit rather than player development, disrespects a category of players and undermines the integrity of the competition. This move follows other recent changes to the US Open, including a new schedule where the singles tournament will begin on a Sunday instead of the usual Monday.

 

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