Normally, it is doubles specialists and lower-ranked singles players who play mixed doubles. But when the US Open is making an effort to boost the often forgotten form of play, a number of stars are participating.
Both world number ones Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner are participating, as are, among others, Carlos Alcaraz, Elena Rybakina and Novak Djokovic.
The winning pair will share $1 million, around 9.5 million kronor (compared to 2 million kronor last year).
The reigning champion pair Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori have also been given a spot. The Italians are, however, critical of the new setup.
"We have been informed that the US Open in mixed doubles will be completely turned upside down, cancelled and replaced by a pseudo-exhibition with a focus solely on entertainment and showmanship. We see this as a deep injustice that shows a lack of respect for an entire category of players," the duo said in a statement according to CNN.
"Sad to see"
Jan Zielinski, who won the mixed doubles tournaments at the Australian Open and Wimbledon 2024, was dissatisfied with not having been selected.
"No communication with the players, no reflection on what it means for certain people's careers, no respect for history and traditions. It's sad to see. Thanks for taking away the opportunity to compete and make it fair for everyone," Zielinski writes on social media.
The organizers, on the other hand, mean that the new setup will bring new spotlight to the mixed doubles tournament.
Let me be clear: This is a Grand Slam tournament. It's not an exhibition tournament, says tournament director Stacey Allaster.
Fewer teams
The matches are played best of three sets, and in all matches except the final, it's first to four games in a set, with a deciding point at 40-40 and a tiebreak if the score is 4-4. In the final, it's the conventional six games and a tiebreak decides if the score becomes 6-6.
16 pairs have been invited to the tournament, compared to 32 normally.
The tournament will be decided on Tuesday-Wednesday. The singles play begins on Sunday.
