US Open Mixed Doubles set for Grand Slam spotlight
Format revamp gives mixed doubles its own stage at the 2025 US Open, with top stars and primetime ESPN coverage.
In a historic shift, the 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship will take place exclusively during the tournament’s opening week, Fan Week, giving the format a major upgrade with a dedicated stage, a $1 million winner’s prize, and primetime ESPN coverage.
The competition, set for August 19–20, will feature matches in Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium, ensuring top billing for what has often been an overlooked Grand Slam title. With no overlap with the singles main draw, a blockbuster lineup of the sport’s biggest names is expected to compete.
A Reimagined Format, A Bigger Stage
The 16-team field will include eight pairs based on combined singles rankings and eight wild cards, with best-of-three set matches featuring short sets to four games, no-ad scoring, and a match tiebreak at four-all. The final will be played in a best-of-three format with sets to six games.
USTA CEO Lew Sherr sees this as a pivotal moment for mixed doubles. “By giving the competition its own spotlight, we’re elevating mixed doubles and putting an even greater focus on the incredible talent we have across the sport. Fans worldwide will get to see elite athletes team up and redefine the game together.”
The move comes after the success of the 2024 US Open Mixed Madness event, which saw Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas claim the title in front of a packed stadium. High viewership, strong player enthusiasm, and positive fan feedback led to this transformation of the mixed doubles Grand Slam experience.
Top Players Ready to Compete
Jessica Pegula, one of the WTA’s most consistent doubles competitors, is eager to be part of the new format. “I appreciate the importance of innovation and exploring new ways to engage more fans and grow our sport.”
Taylor Fritz, who has competed in mixed doubles at the Olympics and United Cup, added: “Mixed doubles is always a great challenge, and I’ve had some amazing experiences with it over the years. Playing for a Grand Slam title in this format is something I’m really looking forward to.”
A Global Audience for Mixed Doubles
For the first time, mixed doubles will receive extensive live broadcast coverage, with ESPN airing the semifinals and final in primetime. Matches will also be available internationally through broadcasters like Sky, Eurosport, and WOWOW.
ESPN’s Tim Bunnell believes the revamped format will be a major hit. “This is an ideal fit for US Open Fan Week and a compelling momentum builder for the main draw. The reimagined Mixed Doubles Championship will bring the intensity and camaraderie of mixed doubles to a global audience.”
Beyond the competition, the event aims to inspire more players to take up the game. With millions of recreational players already enjoying doubles, seeing the world’s best team up on the biggest stage could be a game-changer for tennis participation.
Full details on player entries and ticketing will be announced soon, but one thing is clear—mixed doubles at the 2025 US Open will be bigger than ever.
Inside the Baseline…
Mixed doubles has always been an underrated gem in tennis, showcasing teamwork, strategy, and an unpredictable blend of styles. Elevating it to the first week of the US Open with a dedicated spotlight and a $1 million prize is long overdue. This move not only gives the format the attention it deserves but also encourages top singles players to join the mix, adding star power and intrigue. With primetime coverage and a packed stadium, this could be the shake-up that finally puts mixed doubles on par with the sport’s other marquee events.
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