Olga Danilovic and Novak Djokovic will pair up in New York.
The US Open mixed doubles has been completely revamped this year, and the buzz is undeniable. For the first time, some of the world’s top singles players will headline the draw, adding star power and drama to a format usually dominated by doubles specialists.
Taylor Fritz Declares: “It Is a Priority”
After his win over Lorenzo Sonego in Cincinnati, Taylor Fritz was asked about the new mixed doubles format. While reporters expected him to brush it off, Fritz smiled and said: “It is a priority.”
The American firmly believes this is no exhibition. He called it “the strongest mixed doubles field” ever seen at a Grand Slam. His partner? Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
What’s New in US Open Mixed Doubles 2025
Traditionally, mixed doubles has been an afterthought at majors. It offered doubles specialists extra prize money but rarely caught global attention.
This year is different. The competition is scheduled before the singles main draw. Sixteen teams will compete in knockout rounds over two days. Early matches will use shorter four-game sets, while the final returns to the traditional six-game format.
The prize money has soared too. Winners will split $1 million, a massive jump from last year’s $200,000.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) hopes this star-studded field will boost global viewership and fan engagement.
Star Pairings Steal the Spotlight
The line-up is glittering. Carlos Alcaraz will team up with Emma Raducanu, while Novak Djokovic partners compatriot Olga Danilovic. World No.1 Iga Swiatek joins forces with Casper Ruud, and Madison Keys will play alongside Frances Tiafoe.
The only doubles-specialist team in the draw is defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. Every other slot is filled by high-profile singles names, giving fans matchups they never imagined.
Reigning champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori are the only doubles specialists in the draw.
Drama Before the First Serve
The entry list has already seen shake-ups. Jack Draper is on his third partner, Jessica Pegula, after two withdrawals. Jannik Sinner, originally paired with Emma Navarro, now joins forces with 11-time Grand Slam doubles champion Katerina Siniakova.
Even so, scheduling remains a concern. Some stars, including Alcaraz and Swiatek, finished their Cincinnati campaigns less than 24 hours before their opening matches in New York. Tournament officials have alternates on standby.
Mixed Feelings Among Players
While fans are thrilled, not everyone is celebrating. Doubles specialists, many of whom didn’t make the cut, are frustrated. Rankings for singles players determined entry, shutting out even top-ranked doubles pairs.
Siniakova, one of the world’s leading doubles players, was blunt: “When two world No.1s in doubles don’t get into the tournament, there’s probably nothing more to say about it.”
Ben Shelton, who partners Taylor Townsend, sympathized with them. He admitted he understands their disappointment but also recognized the US Open’s business strategy. “That’s the craziest lineup you’ve seen in mixed doubles,” Shelton said.
Concerns About Communication
Jessica Pegula, a WTA council member, criticized the USTA for failing to consult players before introducing such a drastic change. “It felt like they went rogue,” she said. Still, Pegula remains excited to compete, highlighting the mix of frustration and anticipation around this year’s event.
Trophy, Prize, and Prestige
For many players, this tournament won’t define careers. Yet, competitiveness runs deep. The chance to win a Grand Slam title and earn record prize money is motivation enough.
Madison Keys summed it up: “There’s a grand slam trophy on the line, and have you seen the prize money? I’m gonna try real hard.”
A New Era for US Open Mixed Doubles
Whether this format becomes a long-term fixture remains to be seen. But for now, Flushing Meadows is bracing for a spectacle unlike any other. Singles stars, unexpected partnerships, and a historic prize purse have transformed mixed doubles from a sideshow into a must-watch event.
