Doubles debate over US Open continues

The US Open faces backlash after Errani and Vavassori win the revamped mixed doubles event during Fan Week.

Doubles players push back on US Open mixed event amid prize money controversy

Errani and Vavassori defeated Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud 6-3, 5-7, [10-6] to defend their mixed doubles title at the US Open. The final capped a revamped Fan Week format that offered a $1 million prize for the winners to attract singles players to New York. The draw included few doubles specialists, drawing criticism about how the event values doubles talent.

Mate Pavic and other players questioned the event’s setup on social media, calling it disrespectful to the doubles game and its tradition. Edouard Roger-Vasselin joined the conversation, noting that the strongest doubles players were largely absent and that the tournament crowned the only specialist pair rather than the sport’s best doubles teams. Organizers have not announced concrete changes for next year, leaving fans and players to weigh the event’s purpose against its reception.

The tension reflects a broader debate in tennis about how to balance star power with the discipline of doubles. Money and exposure can boost interest, but they risk turning doubles into a sideshow if the most credible specialists are edged out. A clear policy on doubles inclusion would help, whether by creating a dedicated doubles path within major events or by adjusting formats so top doubles teams can participate without sacrificing the event’s broader aims.

If the sport wants doubles to thrive, it may need to structure incentives that reward doubles expertise while still leveraging singles star appeal. That could mean a separate doubles draw with its own prize pool or reforms that ensure top doubles brands are represented without reducing the spectacle for fans. The next edition will reveal how organizers balance tradition with innovation.

Highlights

The doubles debate will outlive this edition and shape next year’s lineup.