US Open Mixed Doubles Revamp: Star Players, Record Prize Money

The US Open mixed doubles tournament is set to kick off in New York on August 29, 2023, featuring star-studded pairings, record prize money, and a unique format that has generated considerable excitement and some controversy. This year’s event promises to be unlike any previous mixed doubles competition at a Grand Slam, with changes designed to attract top players and enhance fan engagement.

One of the most significant alterations is the timing and structure of the tournament. Traditionally, mixed doubles matches occur concurrently with the main draw, culminating during the tournament’s final weekend. This year, however, the event will be condensed into just two days during the qualifying week, taking place exclusively at the USTA National Tennis Center’s premier venues—Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium. This decision is expected to elevate the profile of mixed doubles matches, which typically take place on outer courts.

Another key change involves the entry criteria. In a departure from the norm, the tournament will use singles rankings for seeding instead of doubles rankings. This approach opens the door for more well-known players to participate, as many top-ranked athletes often avoid mixed doubles due to concerns about jeopardizing their singles campaigns. As a result, players can now compete without the pressure of conflicting schedules. “We get to play serious matches on Ashe, in front of packed arenas,” said two-time US Open semifinalist Frances Tiafoe. “It’s good to get out there and have some fun.”

This year’s draw is exceptionally strong, featuring an impressive 16 pairs that include ten major singles champions, who collectively hold an astounding 54 Grand Slam titles. Among the direct entries are Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper, Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, and Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz. Wild card entries include Emma Raducanu paired with Carlos Alcaraz, adding to the star power of the event.

New Format and Prize Money Boost

The format of this year’s mixed doubles is designed to enhance the pace and excitement of matches. The tournament will feature best-of-three set matches, where a team only needs to win four games to take a set. If both teams reach four games, a tiebreak will determine the winner. The final will revert to a standard best-of-three set match, with a 10-point tiebreak in place of a third set. This streamlined format aims to keep fans engaged while allowing players to showcase their skills in a condensed timeframe.

An added incentive for participating players is the substantial prize money. The winning team will share a record $1 million, an increase of $800,000 from the previous year. In comparison, mixed doubles champions at other Grand Slam events earned significantly less: approximately $181,000 at Wimbledon and $142,000 at the French Open. Even teams eliminated in the first round will receive $20,000 for their efforts.

Player reactions to this revamped format have varied. While many top athletes, including Tiafoe, Alcaraz, and Venus Williams, have expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to play alongside other superstars, some doubles specialists have voiced concerns. For instance, Katerina Siniakova, a ten-time major doubles champion, criticized the selection process, noting that top-ranked doubles players were excluded from the event. “When two world No. 1s in doubles don’t get into the tournament, there’s probably nothing more to say about it,” she remarked.

Despite mixed sentiments, the tournament has already garnered significant fan interest, creating a buzz around the unique format and high-stakes competition. Kristina Mladenovic, a two-time mixed doubles champion, acknowledged the potential for increased visibility and revenue but cautioned against labeling the event a Grand Slam. “There’s no problem putting on such an event, but above all, don’t call it a Grand Slam,” she stated.

In summary, the 2023 US Open mixed doubles tournament is poised to make history with its new format, high-profile players, and record prize money. As the event kicks off, tennis enthusiasts will be watching closely to see how this innovative approach unfolds on the court.