Unlike previous years, the 2025 US Open mixed doubles event featured only 16 pairs competing on August 19 and 20, with a $1 million prize for the winning duo. In the final, Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani defeated Casper Ruud and Iga Swiatek 6-3, 5-7, 10-6. This was also the only match at the US Open played under the traditional mixed doubles format.

All other matches adopted a best-of-three-sets format with each set played to only four or five games, no advantage scoring, a tie-break at 4-4, and a 10-point tie-break in the third set. In the first round, the Serbian pair of Djokovic and Danilovic lost to Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva 2-4, 3-5, while Alcaraz and Raducanu lost to Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula 2-4, 2-4.

Alcaraz (left) and Raducanu during their first-round mixed doubles match at the US Open, Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York on 20/8. _Photo: Reuters_

This year, US Open organizers decided to revamp the mixed doubles event, creating an elite field featuring top singles players. This decision increased the tournament's entertainment value and attracted more attention, but it also disadvantaged doubles specialists who were excluded.

Despite its success in attracting a new audience by bringing together star players, the sporting aspect of the US Open mixed doubles has been downplayed, according to experts. The 2025 mixed doubles event resembled a glamorous, lucrative exhibition rather than a true Grand Slam tournament.

Errani and Vavassori were the only dedicated doubles pair participating. They received a wildcard entry as defending champions. Last year, the Italian duo shared $200,000 for the title, while this year's prize was five times larger.

"I think this victory is for all the doubles players who weren't allowed to compete," Errani, the world's number 4 WTA doubles player, told the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium on 20/8. Her fellow Italian, Vavassori, agreed, stating, "We showed the world that doubles deserves as much attention as singles. It was amazing to play in such a magnificent stadium with a large crowd today."

Vavassori (left) and Errani lift the US Open mixed doubles trophy at Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York on 21/8. _Photo: Reuters_

Errani and Vavassori were not initially included in the tournament but received a wildcard after publicly criticizing the organizers. "We probably wouldn't be here if we hadn't spoken out," Vavassori added. "Hopefully, in the future, doubles specialists will be able to participate in such grand events."

Vy Anh