The USTA and US Open have decided to make some radical changes to the mixed doubles event later this year.
Sets will be to four games in the severely altered Grand Slam event. 16 teams will compete with eight based on singles rankings and eight wildcards.
Former Grand Slam champion and Australian Open tournament director Paul McNamee doesn’t like the new ideas: “I’m sorry, but the US Open now will not produce a bona fide mixed doubles winner. Devalued from a Grand Slam title to an exo. Let’s just say I’m in shock.”
The mixed doubles action will be contested the week before the US Open during “Fan Week” which hosts the popular US Open qualifying tournaments. All mixed doubles matches will be played in Ashe Stadium and Armstrong Stadiums, presumably meaning tickets will be sold and needed for entry.
The final will be best of three sets to six games, with no ad scoring and a ten point match tiebreak instead of a third set.
Fan Week · Mixed doubles · US Open · USTA
15 comments
<< Deep Analysis of The Fascinating McDonald vs Nishikori Duel
Scoop Malinowski · February 11, 2025 at 7:57 am
You have to wonder if this is just the guinea pig first round of changes as part of a long term scheme to shorten matches and make tennis more TV friendly, like… pickleball. Will mens doubles and womens doubles be on the chopping block for 2026? And then singles…???
Steve · February 11, 2025 at 8:26 am
This is pretty lame.
Scoop Malinowski · February 11, 2025 at 11:02 am
Very lame. What they should do is stage a “triples” exo event during Fan Week instead, something silly and experimental, not changing and ruining the legacy of one of the most important and special events in pro sports where men and women combine forces.
catherine · February 11, 2025 at 1:21 pm
Yes and yes. I expect Wimbledon will be the last major tournament to retain a traditional mixed doubles format.
Scoop Malinowski · February 11, 2025 at 4:33 pm
Catherine, there is a chance, because the initial feedback is so negative about this new mixed doubles radical change, that they will abandon the idea and go back to normal next year. What isn’t broke doesn’t need to be fixed…
catherine · February 12, 2025 at 1:18 am
Alexandrova knocks out Sabalenka. Raducanu doesn’t look so bad now…….
Re mixed – Wimbledon crowds love the mixed final to close the tournament. That event doesn’t need fixing. I think you’re right about the long term plan but I hope there would be resistance from players and true fans.
Scoop Malinowski · February 12, 2025 at 7:37 am
We know for years there is a long term agenda to shorten matches and this is the first big step to initiate it. Singles is being saved for last. Does Raducanu get any ranking points bonus for losing to the player who just beat the no.1 one match later? )
Sam · February 15, 2025 at 10:40 pm
Well, the changes aren’t over yet, Scoop. The latest rumor is that starting in 2026, the women’s event will also feature swimsuit, evening gown, and interview segments. In fact, the actual tennis will only count about 23% of the total score. 🤣
Scoop Malinowski · February 16, 2025 at 7:26 am
That’s too good Sam ) I can’t even add to that )
Sam · February 23, 2025 at 10:44 pm
Thanks, Scoop. Hey, don’t ever put it past ’em!! 😁
Scoop Malinowski · February 24, 2025 at 7:45 am
I love mixed doubles in grand slams and especially in the old Hopman Cup.
Sam · March 2, 2025 at 10:32 pm
Have you played a lot of mixed doubles yourself?
Scoop Malinowski · March 3, 2025 at 9:28 am
Yes I love mixed doubles and have reached four mixed doubles finals, but we lost all four ) Many great memories from mixed, especially winning the back draw final of NJ states with friend and club member Natalia Shaposhnikova, former 1980 Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics for Russia. She was so happy to win her first tennis tournament despite being only a 3.0, it was just her first tournament.
Sam · March 10, 2025 at 4:01 am
That’s pretty wild about a former Russian gymnast playing tennis, and doing so well in her first tournament! How many tournaments did she end up entering?
Anyway, that’s great you’ve made four mixed finals. And maybe one day you’ll break through to a title. 🙂
Scoop Malinowski · March 10, 2025 at 8:55 am
Sam not many, she moved to Florida east coast and now California, plays in groups not leagues with women, she prefers to play with guys. Yes still hunting for that elusive mixed title like Novak hunting Olympic gold ) Just a matter of time )