The US Open mixed doubles is now underway, with tennis fans taking in the action during Fan Week in New York.
It caused plenty of controversy before beginning, with the US Open having welcomed a long list of high-profile singles players to the event.
Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori criticised the US Open for revamping the format, having won the mixed doubles title in 2024.
However, other Grand Slams could copy the US Open mixed doubles, which involves $1million in prize money going to the champions.
The defending champions are into the semifinals this year, and have been drawn to face Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison, the last-minute additions after Jannik Sinner withdrew.
Many tennis fans love watching the new US Open mixed doubles event
Round one and the quarterfinals are now complete at Flushing Meadows, with many fans really enjoying the event so far.
One wrote on X: “Love the new format – great players having fun!” as another said: “I’m having great fun watching so far and the players seem to be loving it, lots of smiles going on. Really enjoying this event and hope it isn’t a one-off.”
And after watching Carlos Alcaraz play with Emma Raducanu against Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper, one fan wrote: “Wow the stadium was PACKED. Some people will hate this but this mixed doubles thing was a good idea. Mixed doubles has been very unpopular for the longest time so.”
Other tennis fans criticise US Open organisers for mixed doubles event
At the same time, however, US Open organisers have come under huge criticism for their mixed doubles idea.
It was moved from the third week to the first week of the Grand Slam, and has been taking place at both Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium.
An unhappy fan commented on X: “It’s cool to see all the big names but this isn’t how doubles tennis is supposed to be played. The format is one of the worst things I’ve ever seen in tennis.”
Another said: “This is a joke and a massive insult to the mixed doubles professionals. It’s fine as an exhibition but not a replacement for the serious mixed doubles competition. It’s just more facetime and ego coddling for the top singles seeds.”
And another agreed: “I’m watching this new mixed doubles format and I think it’s just a bunch of big names put together and has nothing to do with the art of playing doubles tennis. It’s a punch in the face for those specialists who wanted to compete for the title and to whom it is their livelihoods.”
The action now continues with the semifinals, where Pegula and Draper are also in action against Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud.
Love it or hate it, the tournament has caused a huge stir both in and outside the tennis world, which should ultimately be welcome news for US Open organisers.
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