Jan Zieliński isn’t pulling any punches – or volleys – when he says the US Open’s new mixed doubles format has turned a serious competition into a “pseudo‑exhibition.” The 2024 Wimbledon and Australian Open mixed doubles champ took to X, sarcastically thanking organisers:
“I guess winning two grand slams in mixed doubles in one year is not enough to get an invitation to US Open ‘exhibition’ event… Thanks for taking away the opportunity to compete and making it fair to everyone”.
What’s Changed?
| Feature | New Format | Traditional? |
|---|---|---|
| Draw Size | 16 teams (8 via singles ranking, 8 wildcards) | Used to be 32 based on doubles ranking |
| Timing | 2-day “Fan Week” pre-main event | Ran during the Fortnight |
| Match Format | Short sets to 4 games, no‑advantage scoring, 10‑point tiebreak | Standard 6-game sets, full scoring |
| Prize Money | $1 million pool | Standard Grand Slam prize pot |
Why the Whinge?
- No consultation with doubles regulars: Zieliński & others argue the decision was driven by revenue, not tradition.
- Loss of livelihood: Reigning champs Errani & Vavassori (2024 winners) called it “profound injustice” and disrespectful to players’ careers.
- Ellen Perez slammed the policy as saying “doubles players are trash”.
- Exhibition over sport? Paul McNamee chimed in saying it “devalues a bona‑fide Grand Slam title”.
Who’s In?
Singles heavyweights like Jannik Sinner/Emma Navarro, Carlos Alcaraz/Emma Raducanu, and Nick Kyrgios/Naomi Osaka have signed up. USTA chief Lew Sherr says the fan‑first format is “what players are backing, and fans will love it”.
Where to from here?
- Doubles folks want a say: Traditionalists want the format rethought and input included.
- Fanweek focus: US Open is banking big on primetime TV & draw‑cards to boost visibility.
- Up in the air: With only 16 slots and no doubles specialists locked in… where does that leave non‑singles stars?
Bottom Line: The US Open’s mixed doubles rebirth is a mixed bag – great for fans and big names, cringe for pure doubles specialists. With legends like Zieliński and Perez raising the rafters, the USTA may need to reconsider: profit or prestige?
