The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) has taken significant steps to revitalize mixed doubles during the US Open, with the early entry list for this year’s tournament showcasing nine of the top ten ranked players in both men’s and women’s tennis. This strategy aims to capture the attention of fans and draw a larger crowd to an event that has traditionally been overshadowed by the singles competitions.
Notable pairings include recent French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz teaming up with 2021 US Open winner Emma Raducanu, as well as the world’s number one ranked player, Jannik Sinner, joining forces with Emma Navarro. Other exciting partnerships feature last year’s finalists Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina, and Australian Open champion Madison Keys partnering with Frances Tiafoe.
The tournament will run during a “Fan Week” on August 19-20, before the main singles draw begins, and will implement a quick-match format. Matches will be decided in short sets, with a first to four wins system and tiebreakers at 4-4, resulting in a fast-paced atmosphere designed to enhance viewer engagement. The winning team will take home a prize of $1 million, making it a lucrative opportunity for the participants.
Although this initiative has sparked criticism from traditional doubles players who may miss out on the competition, the USTA is intent on drawing attention to mixed doubles and believes that enticing solo stars to participate can generate broader interest in the sport. Previous events, such as the United Cup and the Olympics, have proven that mixed doubles featuring prominent singles players can attract significant audiences, and the popularity of partnerships like Serena Williams and Andy Murray at Wimbledon underlines this potential.
The league intends to ensure that the mixed doubles matches will be held on main courts, such as Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong, and will be broadcasted across ESPN’s network, marking a substantial shift in the visibility of this format.
This innovative approach aligns with the USTA’s vision to enhance the overall experience of the US Open and engage both fans and athletes in new and exciting ways. The elevated profile of mixed doubles promises to present an entertaining spectacle and reignite interest in this often-overlooked aspect of tennis.