The US Open is set to overhaul its mixed doubles tournament in 2025, reducing the draw from 32 to 16 teams and concentrating the event into just two days during fan week. This new format aims to boost interest in mixed doubles by featuring some of the biggest names in tennis. Speaking on the change, Andy Roddick supports the move, emphasizing its potential to attract greater attention to doubles play.
In 2024, the mixed doubles title was claimed by the Italian duo Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori from a field of 32 teams. However, the revamped event will take place on August 19 and 20, just days before the singles competition begins on August 24.
Andy Roddick Responds to Mixed Doubles Lineup Criticism
Andy Roddick has voiced strong support for the new mixed doubles lineup, which will include nine top ten ATP and WTA players such as Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Aryna Sabalenka, although notable figures like Coco Gauff and Holger Rune will not participate. He addresses critics who argue that the changes unfairly reduce opportunities for regular doubles players.
This entry list, I thought it would be fine, I thought we’d have some cool names and some cool matchups, this is a 12/10 with the people who are going to do this,
Roddick said.
Don’t argue with me about what mixed doubles should be if you don’t get excited about this.
—Andy Roddick, former world number one
He acknowledges the impact on established doubles players who may be displaced but stresses the importance of attracting greater viewership. Roddick explained how this change will bring more visibility to doubles tennis at a prime time on ESPN during the lead-up to the tournament, countering concerns about losing a dedicated doubles community.
People were like we had to grow the game of doubles, so we can’t take that away from the doubles that people don’t watch regularly… that was confusing to me,
he commented, adding,
But, if your net, net, most important thing is, which is the defence that I get when people are mad at me when I talk about doubles is, ‘we have to grow the game of doubles’, there is not a better way to grow the game of doubles than to have the biggest stars on earth playing doubles, featured, ESPN prime time, in the lead-up to the US Open.
The New Event Seen as Tennis’ Equivalent to an All-Star Game
Roddick went further to compare the revamped mixed doubles competition to the All-Star games known in other sports such as the NBA and MLB. He described it as a unique way to bring tennis fans together and showcase the sport’s top talent in a fresh format.
I had also never figured out how we would integrate an All-Star game style of thing in tennis, this two-birds-one-stone’s it, this is the All-Star game for tennis,
he said.
While he acknowledged that this change means singles stars will take the place of traditional doubles players who rely on the doubles circuit for income, Roddick believes the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. He highlighted how the new format is shorter, easier to watch, and more accessible for younger audiences.
The impact on tennis, having this level of stardom all in one place at one time, men, women, playing together [is massive].
—Andy Roddick, former world number one
Despite some unease in the tennis community about sidelining doubles specialists, the 2025 US Open mixed doubles event is poised to create excitement by bringing together top singles stars in a spotlight moment. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this experiment impacts tennis’ popularity and viewership trends moving forward.