U.S. Open to Host Main-Draw Event During qualifying Week
The U.S. Open will become the first Grand Slam tournament to feature a main-draw event during its conventional qualifying week. Starting this summer, the U.S. open mixed-doubles tournament will be played on the Tuesday and Wednesday before the main singles draw begins.
This move expands the U.S. Open’s footprint and marks a shift in the tennis calendar.
Lewis Sherr, chief executive of the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA), believes this new event will attract more fans and generate revenue.
“I’m hopeful this becomes a new franchise and tentpole in tennis, not just at the U.S. Open, but elsewhere and throughout the year to attract more folks,” Sherr said.
The mixed-doubles tournament, played in the stadium’s main courts, arthur Ashe and Louis armstrong, will offer a Grand Slam title and a $1 million prize.
previously, qualifying week at the U.S. Open was free to the public and featured mostly practice sessions and exhibition matches.
While ticket prices for the new event haven’t been announced, the USTA anticipates increased revenue through ticket sales, corporate suites, sponsorships, and media rights.
US Open reshapes Mixed Doubles to Attract Top Singles Stars
the U.S. Open is making a significant change to its mixed doubles format, aiming to attract top singles players by reducing injury risk and customizing the event for the stars. Effective in 2025, the tournament will adopt a new “first-to-four-games” format for all mixed doubles matches, except the final, which will retain the traditional six-game format.This change reflects an ongoing debate within tennis about the relationship between singles and doubles. The USTA believes this format revitalizes the mixed doubles discipline by highlighting the singles stars’ talents, potentially elevating the event’s appeal to spectators and sponsors.
however, some top doubles professionals express concerns that this shift diminishes the unique identity and prestige of their own area of expertise. Austin Krajicek, a former world No. 1 doubles player, argues that the change fundamentally alters the nature of mixed doubles, essentially turning it into an exhibition for singles players.
The USTA, however, cites accomplished examples of fans passionately engaging with mixed doubles events, especially when featuring well-known singles pairings. These examples include the “Tiebreak Tens” charity competition at the BNP Paribas Open and the high viewership for Olympic mixed doubles matches.
The USTA hopes that this modification will stimulate increased interest and excitement around mixed doubles, making it a more compelling and attractive experiance for both players and fans.
US Open Expands With a New Mixed Doubles Week
The U.S. Open is adding a dedicated week of mixed doubles tennis leading up to the main draw, aiming to capitalize on the growing popularity of the format and draw in new fans.
Inaugurated this summer, the week will feature exhibitions and matches between top singles players, with ESPN holding the television rights. Tournament organizers hope the event will fill a void in the American sports calendar during the typically quiet third week of August and build excitement for the singles main draw.
Ken Solomon, former president of Tennis Channel, notes the strong viewership for mixed doubles events when they feature top-ranked players. “Fans LOVE doubles, and when stars play the ratings take off,” he said.
The move is seen as a significant step in elevating mixed doubles, a format often overshadowed by singles and doubles play.
the creation of this new week, however, presents a challenge for other ATP and WTA tournaments vying for attention. Experts suggest a potential conflict may arise as the popularity of the enhanced US Open lead-in schedule could pull away prominent players and viewers from smaller tournaments.
As this new format gains traction, the tennis landscape could see a shift in scheduling, with the men’s and women’s tours possibly responding with more lucrative events prior to Grand Slams to stabilize their own event prominence.
How do you think the “first-to-four-games” format might affect the strategic approaches and playing styles of mixed doubles teams?
U.S. Open Mixed Doubles: Your Questions Answered
The U.S. Open is making waves with its revamped mixed doubles format. With a dedicated week of events and a new scoring system, the tournament aims to attract top singles players and captivate fans.Here are some answers to your most burning questions about this exciting change:
Q: When will this new mixed doubles format be implemented?
A: The mixed doubles week at the U.S.Open kicks off this summer! The new scoring format, however, will be introduced in 2025.
Q: what’s the reasoning behind the ”first-to-four-games” format?
A: The USTA believes this format, used in all matches except the final, will reduce injury risk for top singles players while showcasing their skills in a fast-paced and exciting way.
Q: How will this change impact doubles professionals?
A: Some doubles specialists are concerned about the shift, feeling it diminishes the prestige of their own discipline. They argue it leans too heavily on singles stars.
Q: Does the U.S. Open have proof that fans love mixed doubles?
A: Absolutely! The USTA points to the high viewership of Olympic mixed doubles matches and the success of events like the “Tiebreak Tens” charity competition as evidence of fan enthusiasm.
Q: Could this impact other tennis tournaments?
A: It’s possible. The U.S.Open’s enhanced schedule could draw top players and viewers away from smaller tournaments. Experts predict we might see other tournaments offer more lucrative events leading up to Grand Slams to stay competitive.
The U.S. Open’s bold move to reshape mixed doubles has sparked both excitement and debate. Only time will tell how this experiment will play out, but one thing is clear: the future of mixed doubles is on the line, and the world is watching.
