Tennis players Zverev and Bencic no longer compete in the US Open.
US Open's Mixed Doubles Format Overhaul Sparks Debate
The 2025 US Open has introduced a new format for its mixed doubles competition, a move that has sparked controversy among players and critics. The changes include shorter sets, no-ad scoring, match tiebreakers, a smaller draw, and an early schedule before the main singles tournament begins.
Impact and Concerns
The revised format has sped up matches, leading to scheduling challenges with teams sometimes playing multiple matches in a single day. Doubles specialists feel excluded, as many wildcard selections favoured top singles players, sidelining dedicated doubles players. Gabriela Dabrowski, a two-time mixed doubles major champion, criticised the format for not being a "true mixed doubles championship" since it limits doubles players' participation.
The traditional pacing and rhythm of mixed doubles have changed drastically, making it feel more like an exhibition or fast-paced event rather than a full championship. Uncertainties arose for previous champions, who only received wild-card entries despite being the defending champions.
Positive Notes and Implications
For top singles players like Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic, the new format and scheduling allow participation without impacting their main singles campaigns, as mixed doubles now take place before singles matches begin. Players found the environment energetic and well-attended, with revamped scheduling generating larger crowds and greater fan engagement, especially in the early rounds.
The format attracted more top singles stars into mixed doubles, which traditionally has less visibility and prize money. For example, the prize money increased to $1 million total, compared to $200,000 last year. However, some top singles players might still find the intensified schedule and format physically demanding or distracting when approaching their singles performances.
Notable Elimination
Despite their recent successes at Toronto and Cincinnati, and their Olympic gold win in Tokyo in 2021, Zverev and Bencic were eliminated in the first round of the mixed doubles at the US Open. They lost to Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison with a score of 0:4, 3:5. The match ended with a double fault from Bencic after 41 minutes.
Zverev had been dealing with physical problems before the tournament at the Masters-1000 tournament in Cincinnati, experiencing breathing and circulation problems in the hot temperatures. Jannik Sinner, who was originally scheduled to play against Zverev and Bencic, withdrew from the tournament due to illness.
As the US Open's mixed doubles competition wraps up over just two days, Zverev is focusing on the singles competition, which begins on Sunday. The tournament promises to be an exciting event, with the new format adding an extra layer of intrigue and debate.
