US Open 2025 mixed doubles reshapes the event

A revamped mixed doubles event at the US Open features high profile partners and a shorter format, drawing praise and criticism.

US Open 2025 mixed doubles divides opinion with Alcaraz Raducanu pairing

The United States Tennis Association has redesigned the mixed doubles event for 2025, offering a shorter format, larger prize money and a slot before the singles. The changes aim to attract star players and boost TV audiences in a crowded sports market, with Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu linked to the new lineup. The setup is already stirring debate among players, coaches and fans.

Supporters say the changes could raise the doubles profile and bring new viewers to tennis. Daniela Hantuchova welcomed the move, saying, "We are always trying to find new initiatives to make our sport more interesting for the fans. I think it is fantastic." Critics argue the format undercuts the value of a Grand Slam title and shortchanges doubles specialists who rely on big prize money. Jamie Murray described it as "a glorified exhibition in my eyes."

The plan mirrors a broader shift in professional sports toward entertainment value and star-driven events. By placing luminaries and a quicker cadence before the singles, organizers hope to capture casual fans who might skip longer doubles matches. Yet the move raises questions about tradition, the integrity of the results and the long-term future of doubles as a separate discipline.

The real test will be data. If viewership, sponsorship and social media engagement rise without eroding the event’s credibility, the tweak could become a model for other sports. If not, the debate about balance between spectacle and sport will intensify and the doubles community may resist further changes.

Highlights

The outcome will depend on how fans respond in the weeks ahead.