Tennis fans faced disappointment as Emma Navarro’s US Open withdrawal added to a string of last-minute exits from the 2025 US Open mixed doubles event. Alongside Tommy Paul and Paula Badosa, these key players withdrew just days before the competition was set to begin at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 19 and 20, causing widespread disruption. The event, designed to showcase star athletes paired in unexpected duos and featuring $1 million in prize money, suddenly faced doubts about its format and appeal.
Fan Reaction to Withdrawals Disrupting Highly Anticipated Matchups
The mixed doubles event was heavily promoted as a marquee attraction with exciting pairings like Naomi Osaka with Nick Kyrgios, Emma Raducanu alongside Carlos Alcaraz, and Iga Świątek teaming up with Casper Ruud. Fans expected an entertaining showcase featuring elite singles players, including teams such as Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe, along with Olga Danilović partnering Novak Djokovic. However, the withdrawals left many frustrated and questioning the event’s viability.
The official US Open social media updates about the withdrawals on August 15 elicited strong reactions. Many supporters criticized the constant reorganization and doubted the legitimacy of the social experiment that paired star singles players in mixed doubles.
Need every made up pair to w/d and leave it to the doubles specialists,
a fan tweeted. Another added,
Don’t bring this social experiment back next year. Please.
More fans expressed irritation over how the tournament was being managed.
This is getting ridiculous and they are making ‘rules’ on the fly,
one user wrote, highlighting the chaotic environment. Several voices raised concerns for the professional doubles players, feeling overshadowed and disrespected by the tournament’s focus on singles stars rather than doubles specialists.
Stop pretending this is legit. This is dumb and just stops the real mixed doubles professionals.
another comment read, while someone else urged,
Please show more respect to the professional doubles players. This silly idea is a huge loss to them.
Speculation also touched on the difficult schedules of some singles players. Fans noted that Jannik Sinner, who was still competing in the Cincinnati Open semifinals, faced a tight timeline to find a mixed doubles partner.
Jannik probably doesn’t get another partner anyway if he wins his semifinal match. This starts like a day or two after the Cincy final.
Others suggested a more fundamental change:
What a mess. Maybe have doubles players play in it instead?
How Unexpected Withdrawals Led to Last-Minute Partner Changes
The withdrawals caused a scramble to rearrange pairings before the 2 p.m. deadline on August 17 set by the USTA, which allows new partnerships if combined singles rankings meet eligibility criteria. Tommy Paul, originally paired with American Jessica Pegula, withdrew for undisclosed reasons. Paula Badosa had already pulled out due to a lingering back injury since Wimbledon, ending her partnership with Jack Draper.
With these changes, Draper and Pegula teamed up, their combined ranking securing entry into the mixed doubles draw despite the disruptions. Meanwhile, Emma Navarro withdrew to prioritize the WTA 500 Monterrey Open, which overlaps with the US Open mixed doubles dates. Her ATP World No. 1 partner, Jannik Sinner from Italy, scrambled to find a new teammate on short notice.
Additional withdrawals included WTA World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Grigor Dimitrov. Dimitrov remains sidelined with a pectoral injury suffered at Wimbledon, and Sabalenka opted not to select a replacement partner. This raised concerns about the stability of the mixed doubles event and whether further last-minute changes would arise before play begins.
Implications for the Future of the US Open Mixed Doubles Format
The unraveling of the mixed doubles lineup at this year’s US Open highlights inherent challenges in relying heavily on top singles players for a condensed, prize-heavy event. The last-minute withdrawals and ensuing partner reshuffles have cast doubt on the format’s effectiveness and sustainability, especially given the discontent from fans and professional doubles players.
This turmoil could influence the USTA’s decisions on whether to continue promoting mixed doubles as a star-filled spectacle or shift focus toward dedicated doubles players who can commit fully without scheduling conflicts. The negative fan reactions and player withdrawals underline the urgency for clearer planning and respect for the doubles discipline in future tournaments.
As the event approaches, all eyes remain on whether organizers can stabilize the field and restore confidence among participants and audiences alike, or if the mixed doubles event will face a radical overhaul in upcoming years.