The 2025 US Open introduced a radically revamped mixed doubles event, shifting it to “Fan Week” before the main tournament and condensing it into a two-day spectacle. The format features short sets to four games, no-ad scoring, and a 10-point match tiebreak instead of a third set. While organizers aimed to attract top singles stars and boost fan engagement, many players and pundits criticized the changes for sidelining traditional doubles specialists and diminishing the prestige of the event.
Doubles specialists excluded
Only 16 teams were invited, with half selected based on combined singles rankings and the other half through wild cards. This left many elite doubles players without a chance to compete. Critics argue that the event feels more like an exhibition than a true Grand Slam competition, especially with the $1 million prize drawing in high-profile singles players like Carlos Alcaraz, Emma Raducanu, Novak Djokovic, and Iga Swiatek.
Vavassori’s response
Andrea Vavassori, who partnered with Sara Errani as the only traditional mixed doubles team in the draw, voiced strong concerns about the format. After their first-round win over Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina, Vavassori said:
“We also play for all the doubles players who cannot compete at the mixed doubles tournament here. We try to do our best.”
He emphasized the importance of chemistry and tactics in doubles, noting that many of the new pairings lacked the experience and cohesion that seasoned doubles teams bring. Vavassori and Errani had previously called the format change a “profound injustice,” highlighting how the new structure prioritizes entertainment and profit over sporting integrity.