Opinion With a new format, in US Open Mixed Doubles, charges of gimmickry will be difficult to avoid

In order to truly make doubles matter again, the bodies in charge of the game will have to emphasise its significance as a genuine sporting spectacle and retain its special character.

There have been concerns about a major trophy being devalued as a mere commercial ploy — an oversized trailer for the major production a week later.

By: Editorial

August 20, 2025 07:05 AM IST First published on: Aug 20, 2025 at 07:05 AM IST

The mixed doubles events at major tennis tournaments have, over the years, become sideshows. The biggest players in the world do not play, audience and viewership numbers have dwindled, prize money (in relative terms) has stagnated, and the standard of competition has come down. The US Open’s organisers may claim to have a solution. This year’s revamped mixed doubles competition, which kicked off on Tuesday, is complete with a new format, a big increase in prize money, some of the top singles stars, controversy, and expectations. It is American tennis’s big commercial bet of 2025.

The US Open is making sure the big names play this week. The matches will be shorter and quicker — sets will go till four games, and there is no deuce. All this is likely to give the mixed doubles event an exhibition-like feel. The Open proved the perfect category to trial the new format. But there are riders to go with the promotional drive.

There have been concerns about a major trophy being devalued as a mere commercial ploy — an oversized trailer for the major production a week later. Especially with the top doubles players finding little space among the singles stars loaded in the 16 teams. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s highly anticipated final in Cincinnati on Monday was a damp squib that saw the Italian World No 1 retire due to illness and miss out on the event in New York. Alcaraz, as well as women’s champion Iga Swiatek, both showed up on Tuesday less than 24 hours after winning their tournaments, showcasing just how seriously the top names are taking the event. In order to truly make mixed doubles matter again, the bodies in charge of the game will have to emphasise its significance as a genuine sporting spectacle and retain its special character. As long as it stays a gimmick, it will be a swing and a miss, no matter how much money it makes.

# US Open