US Open mixed double - what's changed in 2025?

What made the US Open mixed doubles different this year?

The US Open mixed doubles tournament in 2025 was radically different from previous years due to several major changes:

US Open Mixed Doubles Format and Scheduling

The event was condensed into just two days (August 19-20), held before the main singles draw started rather than during it. This allowed top singles players to enter without interfering with their singles campaigns. All matches were played on the largest courts (Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium), giving the mixed doubles unprecedented visibility.

Entry Criteria and Star Power

Instead of relying on doubles rankings, pairs were selected mostly based on singles rankings and wild-card invitations. This brought in leading singles players — including major champions and gave fans rare and high-profile pairings.

Rules and Match Structure

Sets were played up to four games (instead of the usual six), with no-advantage point - at deuce, the next point wins the game.

If teams split the first two sets, a 10-point match tiebreak decided the winner, rather than a full third set.

The final used sets to six games, similar to traditional format, but still with no-ad scoring and a 10-point tiebreak to settle any split sets.[2][5]

US Open Mixed Doubles Number of Players and Prize Money

Only 16 teams competed (down from 32), and prize money was massively increased: the winners received $1 million, a dramatic rise from past years.

Controversy towards the new US Open Mixed Doubles Format

Many doubles specialists voiced frustration and felt excluded, because the event prioritised singles stars and sidelined doubles experts. Debate emerged about whether this version counted as a true Grand Slam doubles championship or an all-star exhibition. Organizers maintained it was an official Slam event, aiming to boost visibility and engagement for doubles.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.