Tim Henman Slams US Open with ‘Disrespectful’ Remark for Its Revamped Mixed Doubles

Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori took home $1 million as prize money after beating the pair of Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud.

Tim Henman Slams US Open with ‘Disrespectful’ Remark for Its Revamped Mixed Doubles

Andrea Vavassori, Sara Errani (Image via X/ItaliaTeam)

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The US Open has completely revamped its mixed doubles event. All the matches ended within two days and saw Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori beat Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud in the final in three sets.

The new format has received mixed reactions. Criticism mostly came from the doubles and mixed doubles players, as they think not letting them play the event was rather unfair. And this is why, Errani and Vavassori, the only ‘true’ mixed doubles pair in the event, dedicated the title to all the doubles players. Tim Henman, a former ATP player from Britain, also gave his opinion on the new format. He told The Telegraph:

I disagree that, a) it’s a Grand Slam event; and b) with taking it outside of the two weeks [of the main tournament] because I think that is disrespectful for the tour events that are taking place on the WTA and ATP Tour in the week before the US Open. We’re trying to get the sport to collaborate better. In my opinion, it’s not helpful. I would make it an exhibition.

Unfortunately for 2025 Wimbledon mixed doubles champion Katerina Siniakova, she couldn’t participate in the US Open mixed doubles because her partner, Jannik Sinner, withdrew from the tournament due to an illness that also forced him to retire mid-match from his Cincinnati Masters final against Carlos Alcaraz. Those who advocated for this format believe the revamped US Open mixed doubles was more entertaining because it featured the top singles players.

Alcaraz paired up with Emma Raducanu amid dating rumors. Novak Djokovic played alongside compatriot Olga Danilovic. The pair of Swiatek and Ruud has also made a lot of headlines. But in the end, Errani and Vavassori took home $1m, which is five times more than what they pocketed last year in New York.

Casper Ruud reacts to the US Open’s revamped mixed doubles format

Casper Ruud is convinced the US Open, next year, will make some changes in its mixed doubles format because of the strong criticism it received. At the press conference after his defeat, Ruud claimed that singles players have made mixed doubles more competitive.

Iga Swiatek, Casper Ruud, Sara Errani, Andrea Vavassori
Iga Swiatek, Casper Ruud, Sara Errani, Andrea Vavassori (Image via X/Jimmy48 Photography)

Now it was only three doubles players, I believe, with Christian [Harrison] getting in with Danielle [Collins], then you had Sara and Andrea. I understand the frustration of the doubles players not being able to play. I think maybe they could invite some more. Maybe they’ll look at that. When players react strongly at tournaments, they look at it, they take it seriously, and see what they can do better for next year. All in all, I think it was good that the ones who were in a way supposed to win won. But we made it competitive.

Next is the singles main draw event, which is scheduled to start on August 24th. Ruud, the 12th seed, will kickstart his campaign against an unseeded Sebastian Ofner.

The Norwegian ace is a US Open finalist. Back in 2022, he lost the final to Carlos Alcaraz in four sets. Last year, however, eventual runner-up Taylor Fritz knocked the three-time Grand Slam finalist out in four sets in the fourth round.

Ruud’s mixed doubles partner, Iga Swiatek, was successful in clinching the 2022 US Open by beating Ons Jabeur. The six-time Grand Slam champion will be chasing her third title of the season after her victory at Wimbledon and the Cincinnati Masters.

The Pole played her first mixed doubles match with Ruud less than 24 hours after beating Jasmine Paolini in the Cincinnati Open final. Ruud’s campaign in Cincinnati ended with a three-set defeat to Arthur Rinderknech.

Also read: Emma Raducanu’s Ex-Coach Finally Reveals the Reason Behind their Recent Split