Archive · 24 Aug 2025
US Open Doubles: Format Changes Stir Debate in Tennis
Tennis is changing how it does doubles, especially at big tournaments like the US Open.
They want to make it more exciting by including top singles players and using a faster format.
The US Open tried this with mixed doubles, and it was a hit, with lots of people watching.
However, some worry that this takes away from the importance of doubles players who focus only on doubles.
In tennis, being a great singles player is often seen as the biggest achievement.
Some people think focusing only on doubles shows less ambition.
The changes may affect how doubles players make a living.
The US Open's mixed doubles format was changed, attracting marquee singles players.
The revamped mixed doubles at the US Open was a success, with high spectator turnout.
Mixed doubles often takes a backseat to singles in tennis, especially on the tour.
Singles success is often seen as the standard in tennis, with doubles players sometimes seen as lacking ambition.
The recent changes at the US Open could potentially threaten the livelihood of doubles-only players.
- Who
- The United States Tennis Association (USTA) implemented the changes, involving singles and doubles tennis players.
- What
- The US Open revamped its mixed doubles format, attracting marquee singles players with a shorter format and increased prize money.
- When
- The format changes were implemented at the US Open, the final tennis Grand Slam tournament of the year.
- Where
- The changes took place at the US Open in the United States.
- Why
- To increase spectator interest and revenue, which had been declining for mixed doubles events.
Supporters of the changes
Critics of the changes
Impact on doubles players
Supporters of the changes
The changes brought increased viewership and revenue, boosting the sport's overall appeal.
Critics of the changes
The format changes threaten the livelihood of doubles-only players.
The emphasis on singles
Supporters of the changes
Singles success is prioritized over doubles
Critics of the changes
Doubles are not taken seriously
- Event
- US Open mixed doubles
- Format Change
- Shorter sets and increased prize money
- Venue
- Arthur Ashe Stadium
- Capacity
- 23,000
- Winner
- Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori