The US Open has introduced a revamped mixed doubles format for the 2025 tournament, aiming to boost fan engagement and attract more top singles players to the event.
Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:
Format
- Shorter Matches:Â Matches will consist of best-of-three sets played to four games with no-ad scoring. A tiebreak will be played at 4-4 in a set.
- Match Tie-break:Â Instead of a full third set, a 10-point match tie-break will be played if the teams split sets.
- Final:Â The final will feature best-of-three sets played to six games, also with no-ad scoring and a 10-point tie-break if the sets are split.
- Two-Day Event:Â The entire mixed doubles competition will take place over two days, August 19th and 20th, during Fan Week (the week before the singles main draw begins). The first and second rounds will be played on Tuesday, with the semi-finals and final on Wednesday.
- Increased Prize Money:Â The winning team will receive a significantly increased prize of $1 million.Â
Participants
- Reduced Field:Â The field has been reduced to 16 teams, down from the previous 32.
- Direct Entry & Wildcards:Â Eight teams qualify based on the best combined singles rankings of the players, while the remaining eight spots are awarded as wildcards.Â
Impact & Controversy
- Attracting Top Players:Â The revised format and increased prize money aim to encourage more top singles players to compete, potentially increasing viewership and engagement.
- Impact on Doubles Specialists:Â This change has drawn criticism from some doubles specialists, including the 2024 champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who believe it sidelines them and reduces their earning opportunities.
