The US Open 2025 has rewritten its mixed doubles script in spectacular fashion. This year, organisers have moved the competition to an exclusive two-day window, with the action unfolding before the singles events and drawing unprecedented attention from fans. Star athletes such as Britain’s Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu, alongside global icons Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Venus Williams, have joined forces in unique pairings, making this edition the most watched and discussed mixed doubles championship in recent memory.
A Revamped Format Sparks Debate
To enhance excitement and participation, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) introduced a shorter match format, higher prize money, and a focused scheduling strategy. All matches are played as best-of-three sets with short sets to four games, no-ad scoring, and 10-point match tiebreaks replacing traditional third sets. The winners will receive a $1million prize, with diminishing rewards for finalists and advancing teams. This shift, designed to encourage singles stars to join the draw, has divided opinion in the tennis community and drawn commentary from experts and players across the UK.
British doubles specialist Jamie Murray described the competition as an “extravagant exhibition,” arguing it undermines the prestige of mixed doubles and excludes dedicated doubles players. Yet supporters, including former champion Daniela Hantuchova, hailed its ability to bring new energy, sponsors, and viewers to the sport, especially in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape .
Key UK Pairings and British Hopes
British tennis is strongly represented in the 2025 mixed doubles field. Jack Draper partners American Jessica Pegula as one of the tournament’s top-seeded teams, while Emma Raducanu teams up with world number one Carlos Alcaraz in a headline wild card pairing. Their first-round showdown is set to be a main event at Flushing Meadows, with Sky Sports and BBC offering live coverage tailored for UK audiences.
Other prominent teams include Iga Świątek and Casper Ruud, Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe, and Amanda Anisimova with Holger Rune. Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori remain contenders, although a number of last-minute withdrawals have altered the competitive field with more wild cards and replacements.
Scheduling and Prize Incentives
The US Open mixed doubles tournament opened on Tuesday, 19 August, with matches spread between Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium. UK fans tuned in from 4pm for the day session on the first day and then from midnight for the final rounds. By placing mixed doubles before the singles tournaments, the USTA aimed to leverage star power and TV ratings, bringing mixed formats the top billing usually reserved for singles.
The financial stakes have grown dramatically, with a $1million prize purse for the champions and generous rewards for runners-up and semi-finalists. This move marks one of the richest payouts in mixed doubles Grand Slam history and hopes to reshape the future of this format globally.
UK Media Reaction and Fan Debate
The British tennis community is alive with discussion about the new format. Fans have flocked to social media and sports forums to express excitement over seeing singles superstars in mixed doubles teams. Despite concerns about the loss of tradition, the new scheme has inspired wider conversations about the evolution of tennis.
BBC Sport and Sky Sports have focused their coverage on British hopes, with Raducanu’s pairing with Alcaraz described as “box office.”
Impact on British Tennis and Grassroots Growth
Experts believe the revamped event could boost interest in doubles play around the UK, encouraging more club players to try mixed formats and raising visibility for British doubles stars. Tennis development programmes hope the new spotlight will lead to better funding and opportunities for younger players who prefer doubles play.
UK tennis bodies continue to lobby for the inclusion of more doubles specialists in future events, balancing market demands with sporting tradition.
Conclusion: A Mixed Doubles Renaissance
The US Open mixed doubles event in 2025 represents a bold experiment for tennis. By moving the format to centre stage, inviting elite singles players, and offering record prize money, organisers have delivered a competition that is fresh, controversial, and captivating. For UK fans, the drama at Flushing Meadows is more than a spectacle—it is a sign of evolution within a historic Grand Slam, building new connections for British players, fans, and the sport itself.
Read more: epping