The US Open has unveiled a major overhaul to its mixed doubles format, a move that has sparked debate across the tennis community. While many doubles specialists have voiced frustration, American star Taylor Fritz has thrown his support behind the changes, calling them a step toward making the event more exciting and relevant to fans.
Under the United States Tennis Association (USTA)’s revamped plan, mixed doubles will now take place before the main draw matches during Fan Week. The draw will feature just 16 teams, with eight earning direct entry based on combined singles rankings and the remaining eight receiving wild-card entries. Additionally, the format will adopt the “Fast Four” rule, where players need just four games to clinch a set, with a tiebreaker coming at 4-4.
Perhaps the biggest incentive? A whopping $1 million prize awaits the winners—an amount that could entice even top singles players into the mix.
Taylor Fritz Open to Playing Mixed Doubles
Taylor Fritz, who reached the 2024 US Open men’s singles final, has expressed strong interest in participating in the revised mixed doubles event, citing its better timing compared to past schedules.
“Yeah, I think there’s a very good chance that I’ll play the mixed doubles competition. Honestly, it falls at a good time. I think that it’s going to be really exciting. I think a lot of people are going to be excited about it, and I genuinely love playing mixed doubles, so I think there’s a good chance I’ll play it,”
Fritz acknowledged his bias in supporting the change, admitting that balancing singles and mixed doubles during a Slam had always been challenging. The new schedule, however, makes it far more convenient for top singles players to participate.
“Mixed Doubles Isn’t Adding Much to Slams”
Despite Fritz’s enthusiasm, the change has been met with sharp criticism from several doubles specialists. Many believe the move sidelines career doubles players and prioritizes singles stars at their expense.
Fritz, however, was brutally honest in assessing the previous mixed doubles format’s impact on Grand Slam events.
“I think a lot of doubles players will be upset about it, but at the end of the day, the truth of the matter is that mixed doubles, as it was, isn’t adding that much to the Slams. It’s not creating a lot of excitement. They’re not filling up stadiums and stuff,”
His words may be harsh, but they reflect a growing sentiment that mixed doubles, in its traditional form, has struggled to generate the same level of excitement and viewership as singles or even traditional doubles.
Pushback from the Tennis Community
Not everyone shares Fritz’s optimism. Several players, including Ellen Perez, Jan Zielinski, and the 2024 US Open mixed doubles champions Andrea Vavassori & Sara Errani, have criticized the move. Zielinski was particularly vocal, expressing disappointment at what he perceived as a lack of communication and disregard for tradition.
Perez, meanwhile, suggested that the change undermines the role of doubles players, potentially affecting their career opportunities and earnings.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.