US Open mixed doubles explained: timing, teams, structure, and new format rules

The US Open announced weeks ago a change in the mixed doubles format for the 2025 edition, aiming to draw more attention to a discipline somewhat overlooked in Grand Slams. One of the changes is a reduction in the number of players, with only 16 teams participating.

Which teams will play mixed doubles at the 2025 US Open?

So far, the tournament organizers have confirmed 13 of the 16 teams. Several setbacks have occurred in recent weeks, including the withdrawal of Paula Badosa due to injury; American Emma Navarro, who was set to partner with Sinner, chose to prioritize her singles schedule; and a recent withdrawal by Tommy Paul.

The confirmed teams are:

Notable teams include Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, whose partnership has generated significant media attention. Other interesting pairings, whether for skill or curiosity, include Venus Williams/Reilly Opelka and Novak Djokovic/Olga Danilovic. Also competing are current mixed doubles champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, as well as Taylor Townsend, the current world No. 1 in women’s doubles, who will team up with Ben Shelton.

It’s important to note that the top seven teams qualified based on their combined singles rankings, while the other eight (of which only six are currently known) entered the tournament via wildcards.

When does mixed doubles at the US Open start?

The new mixed doubles format introduces several changes, making it feel more like an exhibition. The draw will start a week before the singles main draw, taking place over two days, August 19 and 20.

The singles main draw won’t begin until August 24. This schedule aims to prevent players from being disadvantaged in singles play by participating in mixed doubles.

Mixed doubles format at the US Open: what else has changed?

Matches will be extremely short by Grand Slam standards. They will be best of two sets, with each set played to four games, no-ad scoring. In case of a 4-4 tie, a tie-break will be played, and if a third set is needed, it will be replaced by a 10-point super tie-break. The only exception is the final, which will follow the same format but with sets played to six games.

Finally, the prize for the winning team has increased. The champions will share $1 million, a significant incentive for participants.

This new format, more similar to an exhibition than a Grand Slam, has drawn criticism from several doubles specialists, including Wimbledon men’s doubles champions Cash and Glasspool, and doubles legend Kristina Mladenovic, who stated: “There’s no problem organizing such an event, but above all, don’t call it a Grand Slam!”

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