The US Open has caused quite a stir by announcing a revamp to the mixed doubles starting from the 2025 edition of the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year.
Mixed doubles will now take place at Flushing Meadows during singles qualifying and before the main draw has even got underway – making way for a host of top players to potentially use it as a bit of an aperitif before the main event.
A prize of $1 million should entice plenty of box office participation with some current doubles teams venting their frustration at this concept since it was announced yesterday.
But, just who will be taking up the offer of playing in the new look mixed doubles? It does feel somewhat exciting and to a certain extent fans will now get what has to be considered a three-week Grand Slam to tune into.
ATP star suggests he might play US Open mixed doubles
Taylor Fritz was the first player to suggest that he’d probably choose to play in the mixed doubles at the US Open. Fritz has drawn criticism for that comment from tennis fans and there will be a sense of greed among followers of the sport.
Now, another top player has seemingly risked the wrath of his supporters. Holger Rune is currently the number 12 in the ATP World Rankings and he’s now dropped a one-word response alongside an emoji on social media that implies he might too be keen.
Rune is still waiting for that breakout run at a Grand Slam event. He started the 2025 majors by reaching the fourth round at the Australian Open before succumbing to the immovable object that is Jannik Sinner.
The 21-year-old has never gone beyond a quarter-final of a major event, however. With time on his side, there is no real concern just yet and he might soon be trying to tick that first Grand Slam title off in a doubles format instead.
Tennis stars can hardly complain there is too much tennis
It was a hot topic of discussion last year over whether or not the tennis schedule is too jam-packed with tournaments.
Many players bemoaned a lack of game time but it seems intriguing just how many players seem desperate to keep playing in a variety of different competitions and exhibitions that involve jetsetting across the globe.
This initiative isn’t a bad idea from the US Open to be fair. In our view, it will extend the Grand Slam by a week and likely get bums on seats with fans keen to catch a pre-tournament glimpse at some of the game’s very best players.
Whether Rune or Fritz decide to take part in doubles remains to be seen. However, it will be exciting to see what current stars from the ATP and WTA tours do team up when the US Open comes around in August.
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