US Open Mixed Doubles is a Hit Despite Early Exits by Stars, and Traditional Backlash

• The US Open changed the format of their mixed doubles tournament, which now features more star names
• The format seems to be a success, despite first-round eliminations from Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, and Venus Williams.
• Some specialists say it cheapens doubles play, including reigning US Open champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori.

The US Open changed their mixed doubles format to bring more attention to the tournament, and it is a hit with spectators and most players, despite early exits by some big names.

However, some players who specialize in doubles play are calling it an exhibition, and one team says they are playing for doubles specialists.

Alcaraz, Raducanu, Djokovic, Williams, and Osaka Out, And Event Still a Hit, But Not Everyone is Happy

The duo of Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu were one of the first big-name duos to fall in this event, losing to Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula 4-2, 4-2 in the first round. But there were still some fun moments in this match, including an incredible around-the-post shot by Alcaraz, one of the top favorites in the ATP US Open odds.

Novak Djokovic and partner Olga Danilovic were also eliminated early, along with Venus Williams and Reilly Opelka, and the team of Naomi Osaka and Gael Monfils. Madison Keys and Francis Tiafoe were also eliminated in the first round.

But the tournament is a hit with both spectators and players for an event that got little to no attention previously. The shorter matches (games go to four points instead of six) are extremely viewer-friendly, and allowed some bigger names in the sport to take part without disrupting their preparation for the singles tournaments. The event was also moved up to precede the singles and doubles events, which begin on Friday, August 29.

However, some traditionalists aren’t happy with the event, calling it an exhibition. Mixed-doubles champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori had to receive a wild card to play in the event as half of the spots were based on singles’ rankings. The duo wrote in February:

“We don't know at the moment if we'll have the chance to defend our title, but we hope this will remain an isolated case and this type of policy will not be considered again in the future.”

Errani and Vavassori also called the event “a profound injustice” for doubles specialists.

Who is Still in the Event, and Who is Favored?

Errani and Vavassori are still in the field, and they said they were playing for “doubles players” as they get ready for the semifinals. The Italian duo are favored at tennis betting sites over the American team of Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison.

In the other semifinal, Pegula and Draper will face Iga Swiatek, one of the favorites in the WTA US Open odds, and Casper Ruud. Errani and Vavassori, who are doubles stars and also won the 2025 French Open, should be the favorites to retain their title.

Errani and Vavassori’s opinion should be respected, and they do have a point. However, money talks, and this change to the mixed-doubles format has brought in more people at Flushing Meadows. There are also more people tuning in, and ESPN, the main broadcaster, has to be pleased about that. While they wish it to not happen again, the financial bottom line will decide the fate of this event in the future!