Will Doubles Finally Get the Respect They Deserve?
For years, mixed doubles has been the underdog of professional tennis— Yes, technically there, but always lurking in the background like an extra in a blockbuster film. And the reason is confusing, too. Especially as it delivers drama, skill, and unpredictable pairings that make for exceptionally compelling matches. However still, doubles has never quite captured the limelight.
That might be about to change.
The U.S. Open is making some bold moves to elevate mixed doubles, shifting it to qualifying week, pumping up the prize money, and revamping its qualification system.
The shake-up is in hopes of bringing the sport’s biggest stars into the doubles arena. The event will now feature 16 teams battling it out over two days, with shorter matches designed to keep the competition fast-paced and engaging.
For years, top players have often skipped doubles to preserve their energy for singles. But with this new format, organizers believe they can finally entice them to take part.
Lew Sherr, executive director and CEO of the U.S. Tennis Association, remarked, "The goal here is to expand the sport’s fan base globally. The best way to do that? Get the biggest names in tennis playing doubles. Seeing them team up and compete in a different format isn’t just appealing— it’s genuinely exciting."
And the result, if things go according the plan? More visibility, incentive, and excitement to a format that has long been overshadowed by singles.
What’s Changing in Mixed Doubles?
The U.S. Open is shaking things up in three major ways.
1— Moving Mixed Doubles to Qualifying Week
Historically, mixed doubles have been buried in the schedule, slotted awkwardly between the fanfare of men’s and women’s singles, and often overlooked entirely. Now, by moving it to qualifying week, the U.S. Open hopes to give it a fresh identity and a chance to stand out.
The Upside:
-
It finally gets its own spotlight. Without singles and traditional doubles overshadowing it, mixed doubles has a real chance to be a headline act.
-
Fans might tune in. A free-flowing, mixed-gender battle of skill? Sounds like great tennis. With the right marketing push, this could attract more viewers and onsite spectators.
-
Players get a warm-up stage. For pros who also play singles or traditional doubles, this schedule shift could be an opportunity to get comfortable on the courts before their other events.
2— A Prize Money Boost: The Million-Dollar Question
Here’s where things get serious: the U.S. Open is dramatically increasing prize money, with a staggering $1 million awarded to the winners.
Will This Attract Top Players?
-
More money = more talent. Big-name singles players who might have previously ignored mixed doubles could now have a reason to give it a shot.
-
Doubles specialists benefit. Those already excelling in doubles could see this as a lucrative opportunity, increasing the overall level of competition.
-
It makes the event prestigious. Higher stakes mean higher visibility. If fans and players see mixed doubles as a major event, it could finally gain the respect it deserves.
Marketing and storytelling here matter, and it’s one of the reasons the prize increase was such a smart move. If the U.S. Open wants people to care, they need to build high-stakes narratives around the teams and make mixed doubles a must-watch event.
3. New Qualification Criteria: Making It More Competitive
Historically, mixed doubles qualification has been a bit of a free-for-all. Now, the U.S. Open is introducing a revamped system that includes combined singles rankings and wild card selections. This year’s draw will be capped at 16, rather than the usual 36. Half of those spots will be awarded based on combined singles rankings, while the remaining eight will be granted as wildcards by the tournament.
What This Means:
-
More top-ranked players could enter. If mixed doubles is now tied to singles rankings, we might see more familiar names stepping onto the court.
-
Greater strategic pairings. The qualification shake-up means stronger, more competitive duos could form (possibly even unexpected) high-profile pairings that add to the event’s excitement.
-
Wildcard entries = unpredictability. The ability to inject fresh, wild card talent could make for some fascinating matchups, adding an element of surprise to the tournament.
Why Mixed Doubles Deserves Time On Center Stage
Mixed doubles, for those that get it, puts on display a level of unpredictability that keeps both players and fans on their toes.
Teams must adjust their tactics on the fly, capitalizing on strengths while covering each other’s weaknesses. The chemistry between partners, whether built on years of teamwork or a fresh pairing, adds an extra layer of intrigue and electric excitement. It’s a format where creativity thrives, and no single playing style dominates.
"To me,” Grand Slam winner Bethany Mattek-Sands explains, “mixed doubles is an undervalued tennis product. You have guys and girls playing on the same level, no handicaps. The guys aren't feeling bad for the girls. The girls pick on the guys. It's generally amazing tennis."
But again, the question all doubles fans are asking is, will these changes be enough? Can these adjustments to the US Open help finally elevate mixed doubles to its rightful spot in the spotlight?
At the end of the day, doubles still have a viewership problem. Singles get the most media attention. Fans follow the biggest individual stars more often, not doubles pairings.
If the U.S. Open is serious about making mixed doubles a success, it should take notes from the Eisenhower Cup, an exhibition event that has nailed the formula for doubles excitement.
What Makes the Eisenhower Cup Work?
Star power— Pairing high-profile players (including real-life couples) makes it engaging.
Fast-paced format— Keeping matches short and thrilling maintains excitement.
Creative marketing— Social media campaigns and fun promotions make it must-watch tennis.
If the U.S. Open can apply these principles, whether through smart player pairings, more engaging broadcast coverage, or interactive fan engagement, mixed doubles could finally become a standout event.
Is This the Future of Mixed Doubles?
The U.S. Open’s changes are bold. But will they work? If the media and fans embrace the new format, this could usher in a new era for mixed doubles… one that has been well-deserved for a long time.
Recreational players love doubles, but don’t watch it. This is confusing, as most amateur players play doubles… yet professional doubles struggle to get attention.
Why? Because it hasn’t been marketed as essential viewing.
The key to fixing this? Making fans care. That means building rivalries, hyping up matches, and ensuring the world sees mixed doubles as a premier event, not a side attraction.
The U.S. Open is making its move. Now, it’s up to the players, the media, and the fans to decide if mixed doubles is finally set for center stage. Planning on attending the open or the plethora of other amazing 2025 events? Make sure you have a way to pack your tennis gear safe and sound for your travels. And when you make it back, let us know- were the changes worth it?
If mixed doubles is going to thrive, it needs star power and storytelling. And with this switch-up at the US Open, we hope we’re about to get exactly that.