US Open Director Defends Stance to Modify Mixed Doubles Format in 2025

Stacey Allaster, the US Open tournament director, addressed the recent change to the mixed doubles format. Her comments, shared through Tennis.com, focused on why the adjustment was made for the 2025 edition.

Allaster explained that the move was partly driven by marketing goals. She believes it could help turn fans into future players. The former WTA CEO stood by the decision despite mixed reactions. Allaster said on Tennis.com:

Let’s be clear: this is a Grand Slam. It’s not an exhibition. We understand the doubles players who oppose these changes. But we know that when spectators see the best players play, it will encourage more people not only to attend the tournaments, but also to play tennis, which will ultimately contribute to the development of the sport.

The new format has created buzz, especially with star pairings. Pairings like Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu have drawn strong attention. Their partnership gave the event extra visibility.

However, not everything has gone smoothly. Several players withdrew due to scheduling conflicts. Notably, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, both world number ones, chose not to enter. It remains unclear whether this format will be sustained long term.

Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu lose in the US Open mixed doubles

Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu’s mixed doubles run at the U.S. Open ended quickly. The highly anticipated duo was eliminated in the opening round on Tuesday. They fell 4-2, 4-2 to top seeds Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula in under an hour.

Both Alcaraz and Raducanu are former US Open singles champions. Alcaraz is currently ranked No. 2 in men’s singles, while Raducanu sits at No. 35 in the women’s rankings. Their early loss surprised many fans given the hype around their pairing.

This year’s mixed doubles event has faced scrutiny for its new format. Instead of 32 teams, only 16 were accepted. Eight teams qualified through singles rankings, and the US Tennis Association selected the rest. The format has been seen as favoring singles stars over established doubles teams.

The prize pool also saw a major increase. Champions this year will receive $1 million, compared to $200,000 last season. Matches are shorter, with sets capped at four games, and the two-day event is staged before the singles draw. The mixed doubles will wrap up Wednesday, while the singles competition begins August 24.

Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud secure two wins in the US Open mixed doubles

Iga Swiatek showed no signs of fatigue on Tuesday as she teamed up with Casper Ruud in the new U.S. Open mixed doubles event. The pair delivered back-to-back wins to secure a place in the semifinals.

Just a day earlier, Swiatek had endured a two-hour battle against Jasmine Paolini to win the Cincinnati Open. Despite the quick turnaround, she appeared fresh and sharp on court in New York.

In their opener, Swiatek and Ruud swept past Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe 4-1, 4-2 in only 39 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. After a brief break, they returned to defeat Caty McNally and Lorenzo Musetti 5-3, 4-2 in the quarterfinals.

It was a demanding stretch for Swiatek. She flew straight from Ohio after Monday’s victory and checked into her New York hotel in the early hours of Tuesday. Even with little rest, she rose to the challenge.

Also Read: “Disgrace” – Tennis Fans Bash the US Open for Neglecting Katerina Siniakova from the US Open Mixed Doubles After Jannik Sinner’s Withdrawal