The revamped US Open mixed doubles tournament has now come to an end.
Some of the ATP and WTA’s top singles players joined forces to enter the condensed two-day event, played under Fast 4 rules.
The likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu entered the tournament, as did Jack Draper and 2024 US Open finalist Jessica Pegula.
But as the dust settles on the new look tournament, Tim Henman shared his thoughts on the event and he did not hold back.
Tim Henman blasts the revamped US Open mixed doubles event – ‘I think that is disrespectful’
Some criticised the US Open’s mixed doubles tournament and the changes that were made.
Many specialised doubles players were unable to take part, and it took place in the American Grand Slam’s ‘Fan Week’, which precedes the start of the singles and men and women’s doubles competitions.
Some felt the changes made it look like an exhibition event, and Henman shared this view during an interview with Telegraph Sport.
“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,” Henman said.
“We’re trying to get the sport to collaborate better. In my opinion, it’s not helpful. I would make it an exhibition.
“There are rules in place for exhibitions, that’s the difference – and you can’t have exhibitions within a certain distance of main tour events. We have Hurlingham or Stoke Park before Wimbledon.
“This tournament very much devalues the title when it changes the scoring system, and it completely changes the entry system.
“But I understand that in mixed and regular doubles, the product is significantly elevated if singles players play. They’re not normally going to do that at the majors because of physical demands.”
Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori react after winning the US Open mixed doubles title
For all the top singles players and all-star teams that entered the US Open mixed doubles event, a regular doubles team emerged victorious.
Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori entered the tournament as the defending champions and they played with a point to prove.
They successfully defended their title after beating Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud 6-3, 5-7, 10-6 in the final.
Following the championship match, the Italian duo mentioned the specialised doubles players who were not able to enter the tournament.
“We showed that doubles is a great product and in the future we need more marketing and visibility,” Vavassori said.
Errani added: “I think this one is for all the doubles players that couldn’t play this tournament. I think this one is also for them.”
