Doubles Specialists Outraged: US Open Mixed Doubles Format Change Sparks Fairness Concerns

Yesterday, in the US Open mixed doubles quarterfinals, the Italian pair Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani secured a spot in the final four with impressive coordination and strategic play. Yet, the thrill of victory soon gave way to pent-up dissatisfaction, as the two publicly condemned the organizers’ decision to alter the mixed doubles format, arguing that this change put financial interests above the sport and disregarded the efforts of specialist mixed doubles players.

This year, the US Open quietly implemented a major change: mixed doubles was removed from the official Grand Slam program and turned into an “independent exhibition event.” As a direct result, many career mixed doubles professionals were left out of the draw, while organizers invited higher-profile singles stars to form temporary pairs, aiming to boost the event’s visibility and commercial appeal.

“We believe this is extremely unfair and shows a lack of respect for all athletes,” Vavassori and Errani wrote in a lengthy joint Instagram post earlier this year. “This decision was made without consulting anyone, and we simply have to accept it.”

As the 2025 French Open mixed doubles champions and defending US Open titleholders, the pair were not even granted a seeded position, further highlighting how specialist mixed doubles players have been marginalized under the current rules.

During the post-match interview, Vavassori addressed the core issue with the format change: “Doubles tactics are crucial. The partnership between two players is key—we know each other very well, have played many matches together, and even challenge each other during practice. These are things that temporary singles pairings simply can’t achieve quickly.”

Errani added, “We are speaking for all the doubles players who can’t compete here. Many of them dedicate their entire year to mixed doubles tactics and building partnerships, but are excluded simply because they lack fame.”

In reality, mixed doubles and traditional singles differ significantly in tactical systems, positioning, and match rhythm. Professional mixed doubles teams often require months or even years to develop true chemistry, whereas temporary pairings of star singles players may bring short-term attention but can undermine the competitive integrity of the event.

The US Open’s reforms have not gone unchallenged. On social media, the hashtag RespectDoublesTennis has become a hot topic among tennis fans. Many believe the unique appeal of mixed doubles lies precisely in the intricate tactics and long-term chemistry between dedicated partners.

“It’s entertaining to see Alcaraz and Raducanu team up for a match, but it feels more like an exhibition,” a seasoned tennis journalist commented on Twitter. “Grand Slam events should preserve the purity of competitive sport, not sacrifice the participation rights of professional athletes for ratings.”

US Open organizers have yet to officially respond to the recent controversy, but insiders reveal that the main motivation behind the changes was to increase the television value and sponsorship appeal of mixed doubles. In recent years, viewership for mixed doubles has declined, while the involvement of singles stars has temporarily boosted attention.

However, Vavassori and Errani cautioned in their joint statement: “Putting money above tennis is never a good idea.” Many doubles players echoed this sentiment, arguing that Grand Slam events should uphold the sport’s diversity rather than blindly chase star power.

As the debate intensifies, the ATP and ITF may face mounting pressure to clarify the positioning and rules of mixed doubles events. So far, the other three Grand Slams have not adopted similar reforms, but the US Open’s experiment could serve as a catalyst for industry-wide change.

For Vavassori and Errani, their fight goes beyond personal interests. “We’re not just speaking for ourselves,” Errani said in the post-match interview. “Every doubles player excluded from the event deserves the right to compete based on their professional abilities.”

This debate between tradition and change, sporting integrity and commercial value, may just be beginning.(Source: Tennis Home Author: Mei)