The U.S. Open is unveiling a reimagined mixed doubles showcase that unfolds over two days at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, featuring 16 pairs led by big-name singles players and elite doubles specialists. The event, which runs August 19–20, will pay out a total of $2.35 million, with a $1 million prize to the champions and substantial rounds of prize money for reaching the later stages.
How the new format works
– The early rounds (round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals) are best of three sets, but sets are played to four games only. If a game reaches deuce, it goes directly to a deciding point. If the teams split the first two sets, a 10-point tiebreak decides the match.
– The final keeps traditional scoring: first to six games per set, with the usual tie-break rules as applicable.
– The format is designed to get the biggest stars on court together, even if it shortens individual matches, according to the event’s organizers.
Team lineup and how teams were chosen
– A mix of players based on combined singles rankings and wild cards fill the 16 spots. One notable change was Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison stepping in as the best-performing alternate team with strong combined singles rankings.
– The field includes a blend of top singles players and doubles specialists. Notable pairs include Jessica Pegula with Jack Draper, Elena Rybakina with Taylor Fritz, Madison Keys with Frances Tiafoe, and Emma Raducanu with Carlos Alcaraz. Other entries feature Naomi Osaka teamed with Gael Monfils, and Sara Errani with Andrea Vavassori, who have firsthand experience with the event.
– Jannik Sinner and fellow doubles standout Kateřina Siniaková were initially slated to partner, but Sinner withdrew due to illness, prompting adjustments to the lineup.
Financials and logistics
– The total purse is $2.35 million. Teams earn as little as $20,000 just for showing up, with $100,000 for all quarterfinalists, $200,000 for all semifinalists, $400,000 for the runners-up, and the $1 million prize for the champions.
– The USTA is providing travel incentives, including private jets for some players, and standby alternate teams will sign in on the morning of play to fill any vacancies.
– If a top pairing withdraws, the next eligible alternate can step in, with teams already secured for lodging and meals through the week.
Where and how to watch
– The event is staged at Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York, on August 19 and 20.
– Tuesday’s schedule features two rounds beginning at 11 a.m. ET on ESPN2 and ESPN+, continuing on ESPNEWS around 1 p.m. On Wednesday, the semifinals and final air at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2, with ESPN+ carrying the early coverage.
– Commentary will come from Mary Joe Fernández, John McEnroe, and Patrick McEnroe, with Chris McKendry hosting. ESPN is testing new coverage elements, including on-court interviews between sets and new camera technology.
What to watch for and early takeaways
– The event is drawing mixed reactions. Some players question whether a Grand Slam title can be defined by a two-day format, but many are attracted by the opportunity to team up with partners they don’t usually play with and to chase a substantial prize.
– Doubles specialists have voiced concerns that the prestige of a Grand Slam doubles title could be undervalued, while fans get a fast-paced, star-studded spectacle.
– Expect a blend of strategies: some teams will lean on powerful serving and rapid net play, while others will rely on tactical court geometry and solid doubles coordination, as seen in recent doubles play and Olympic performances.
Notable potential matchups and outcomes
– The field features high-profile pairings such as Pegula/Draper, Rybakina/Fritz, Townsend/Shelton, and the Raducanu/Alcaraz pairing, among others. If any of these combos reach the final, they’ll be contenders for the big prize.
– Errani/Vavassori, long-time doubles competitors, bring experience to a field that favors star power. Their performance could shake up more famous teams in the early rounds.
Bottom line and outlook
– The two-day mixed doubles format at the U.S. Open is a bold experiment designed to maximize star involvement and fan engagement, with a robust prize purse and strong broadcast backing. While it divides opinion on the value of a Grand Slam title earned in a compressed format, it promises a high-energy, watchable chapter in this year’s tournament.
– For fans, this is a chance to see a who’s-who of current and former champions pairing up in a new setup, with fast-paced matches, dramatic twists, and the lure of a $1 million winner’s check.
Summary: The U.S. Open’s new two-day mixed doubles format brings together top singles stars and doubles specialists in a shorter, four-game-per-set structure that culminates in a traditional final. With $2.35 million in prize money, live ESPN coverage, and a lineup of high-profile partnerships, it aims to deliver fast, entertaining tennis while sparking debate about the balance between spectacle and tradition. If the matches live up to the hype, we could be witnessing a fresh, positive chapter for doubles and combined-star events at one of tennis’s biggest stages.