US Open’s Mixed Doubles Revamp: Betrayal of Tradition or Smart Business Move?
The 2025 US Open is shaking up its mixed doubles format, and the tennis world is divided. The number of teams has been slashed from 32 to 16, the format shortened to four-game sets, and the matches squeezed into just two days during fan week. The goal? More entertainment, higher stakes, and a shot at attracting top singles players.
Pros vs. Cons: The Heated Debate
Andrea Vavassori, the 2023 US Open mixed doubles champion, sees it as a disrespectful move, calling it a “pseudo-exhibition focused only on entertainment and show.” The reduction, he argues, undermines doubles specialists who have built careers in the format.
But Riley Opelka and Coco Vandeweghe hold a different view. Opelka has long dismissed doubles as secondary, once joking, “Wait… mixed dubs wasn’t always an exhibition?” Vandeweghe added that singles players draw the bigger crowds and ultimately drive the sport’s revenue.
Meanwhile, Taylor Fritz is walking the fine line between tradition and business. He acknowledges the frustration of doubles specialists but also recognizes the financial reality—if bringing in top singles stars boosts viewership and revenue, the change may be justified.
Does the Money Justify the Change?
One major incentive? Prize money has jumped to $1 million from $800,000, possibly enticing big-name singles players to participate. If stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, or Iga Świątek sign up, the mixed doubles event could gain more exposure than ever before.
Historically, singles finals dominate TV ratings—Alcaraz’s 2023 Wimbledon win over Novak Djokovic peaked at 11.3 million UK viewers, while Gauff’s US Open final drew 3.4 million on ESPN, even outperforming the men’s final. That’s the audience size tournament organizers want for mixed doubles.
Final Verdict: Business Over Tradition?
Is this a smart business move or a betrayal of doubles tradition? The answer depends on whether the format actually draws bigger names and more fans. If it flops, it could be seen as an unnecessary dilution of doubles. But if star power and higher prize money bring fresh excitement, the change might redefine mixed doubles for the future.
What’s your take? Is this a necessary evolution, or is the US Open selling out tradition?