The 2025 US Open begins on 24/8, but the organizers have already achieved their goal of generating buzz by introducing a completely new mixed doubles format. For two months, the event has been a media sensation in the US, breathing new life into a largely forgotten category.

Since mid-June, discussions about revamping the final Grand Slam of the year have been rife. Traditionally, the US Open mixed doubles featured 32 pairs, primarily doubles specialists. This year, only 16 pairs will compete on August 20 and 21. Not only is it smaller and faster – condensed into two days before the singles competition begins – but the new format also boasts a lucrative prize pool, with USD 1 million for the winning pair. This is five times the usual USD 200,000 and significantly surpasses Wimbledon and Roland Garros.

The runners-up will receive USD 400,000, four times the previous USD 100,000. Reaching the semifinals guarantees USD 200,000, and the quarterfinals USD 100,000. Pairs eliminated in the round of 16 will still receive USD 20,000 to split.

Raducanu and Alcaraz are one of the 16 pairs participating in the new mixed doubles format at the 2025 US Open. Photo: Tennis Majors

To further enhance the excitement, the mixed doubles matches will be shorter and more dramatic, played in a three-set format with each set consisting of only 4 games. No-advantage scoring will be used, with a tie-break at 4-4, and a 10-point tie-break for the third set. The final will be played in a best-of-three 6-game set format, also with no-advantage scoring, a tie-break at 6-6, and a 10-point tie-break in the deciding set.

To create a spectacular event, organizers have assembled an elite lineup of some of the best players in the world. Of the 16 confirmed pairs, the first 8 were selected based on the combined ATP and WTA rankings: 7 of the top ATP men's players and 4 of the top 10 WTA women's players, promising a clash of titans from both tours. The remaining 8 pairs received wild cards, including the Italian defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori.

Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu are the most talked-about pair. Raducanu even addressed rumors of a romantic relationship with Alcaraz at a pre-Wimbledon press conference. However, they are one of the few pairs who have remained together since the initial announcement in June.

Jannik Sinner, who recently retired after just over 20 minutes against Alcaraz in the Cincinnati Masters final, will participate in the mixed doubles. However, he will be partnering with Katerina Siniakova (Czech Republic) instead of Emma Navarro (US) as originally planned.

Following the draw on 18/8, Alcaraz and Raducanu will debut at 1 a.m. Hanoi time on 20/8 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, facing Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula, the top seeds based on rankings. If they win, they will advance to the quarterfinals and play later that day against the winners of the match between Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic, and Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev. Siniakova and Sinner are in the bottom half of the draw and could only potentially face Raducanu and Alcaraz in a hypothetical final.

Pairs participating in the 2025 US Open mixed doubles. Photo: US Open

Leading up to the draw, the US Open mixed doubles saw several withdrawals and adjustments. Jasmine Paolini, Cincinnati finalist, along with Grigor Dimitrov, Aryna Sabalenka, Alex De Minaur, Katie Boulter, Paula Badosa, and Stefanos Tsitsipas all withdrew.

Initially, no French representatives were invited, but Gael Monfils unexpectedly joined, replacing Nick Kyrgios to partner with Naomi Osaka. The choice of Monfils seems to fit the organizers' criteria, as the veteran Frenchman is known for his showmanship and entertainment value. Djokovic is also participating, partnering with fellow Serbian Olga Danilovic.

Among the doubles specialists, world number one Taylor Townsend will play alongside compatriot Ben Shelton, forming one of three all-American pairs, in addition to 45-year-old Venus Williams, returning to compete with Reilly Opelka, and Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe.

Dissent Emerges

Despite its media success and attracting new audiences by featuring star players, the sporting aspect of the US Open mixed doubles has been downplayed by experts. The 2025 edition resembles a glamorous, lucrative exhibition rather than a true Grand Slam event. This has understandably upset doubles specialists, who feel sidelined. The Italian pair of Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori are the only dedicated doubles players participating.

Katerina Siniakova, Olympic champion and former world number one, expressed her disappointment. “When two of the best doubles players aren’t invited, there’s nothing left to say," she lamented to Canal+. Siniakova's Wimbledon doubles partner, Sem Verbeek, added: "The positive is that the public will see the top stars early on, as they're more accessible. But as a doubles player, my heart is bleeding.”

Katerina Siniakova and Sem Verbeek in the 2025 Wimbledon mixed doubles final. Photo: AP

Kristina Mladenovic, who wasn’t invited despite having nine doubles titles, including three in mixed doubles, also spoke out: "From a business strategy perspective, it’s a great idea, but the communication is terrible. Hearing players say they’ll have fun and see this as a warm-up for the US Open is worrying. A Grand Slam isn't a place for preparation or entertainment. It represents years of sacrifice. As a child, you dream of winning a Grand Slam, even in doubles. You don’t want to see your sport become a giant show, even if it brings in a lot of money.”

Nicolas Mahut, who will still participate in the men's doubles with Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, believes the new format renders mixed doubles practically nonexistent, as he sees it as "having nothing to do with competition". He suggests the organizers should declare it a pre-US Open mixed exhibition.

“This is no longer a Grand Slam, but an exhibition tournament. They're disrespecting the tradition. When talking about the US Open mixed doubles, I see a big problem. This can’t be considered a Grand Slam title. But they've succeeded because everyone is talking about it, probably for the first time in history. From an entertainment standpoint, I'm curious to see how it plays out, as fans seem enthusiastic.”

First Round Matches

Arthur Ashe Stadium:

- Osaka/Monfils vs McNally/Musetti

- Swiatek/Ruud vs Keys/Tiafoe

- Pegula/Draper vs Raducanu/Alcaraz

- Danilovic/Djokovic vs Andreeva/Medvedev

Louis Armstrong Stadium:

- Errani/Vavassori vs Rybakina/Fritz

- V. Williams/Opelka vs Muchova/Rublev

- Townsend/Shelton vs Anisimova/Rune

- Siniakova/Sinner vs Bencic/Zverev

Compiled by Hoang Thong