US Open Faces Backlash Over Mixed Doubles Format Overhaul

The tournament will stage a condensed mixed doubles event during fan week, prioritizing singles players and introducing a $1 million prize.

The revamped mixed doubles competition will feature 16 teams, halving the previous 32-team draw, with eight pairs selected based on singles rankings and eight wildcards.
Matches will adopt a shortened format, with sets to four games, sudden-death deuce, and a 10-point tiebreaker replacing the third set, except for the final which will use a more traditional scoring system.
The event will take place on August 19-20, during the US Open's fan week, before the singles main draw begins on August 24.
Critics, including reigning champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, argue the changes devalue mixed doubles as a Grand Slam competition and limit opportunities for doubles specialists.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) defends the overhaul as a way to attract top singles players, increase fan engagement, and elevate the profile of mixed doubles.