The tennis world is buzzing with controversy as the 2025 US Open introduces a radical transformation to its mixed doubles tournament. With a jaw-dropping $1 million prize and an all-star lineup featuring Grand Slam champions like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Iga Swiatek, the event promises unprecedented excitement – but not everyone is thrilled.

Traditional doubles specialists are crying foul, arguing that the tournament has become more of a celebrity showcase than a serious competition. Sara Errani, last year’s mixed doubles champion, bluntly called the changes “sad” and “nonsense,” highlighting the exclusion of dedicated doubles players from the tournament.

The new format dramatically reshapes the mixed doubles landscape. Instead of the usual 32 teams, only 16 will compete, with half the field selected based on singles rankings and the other half chosen by the US Tennis Association. The tournament has been moved earlier in the event schedule and features modified rules, including shorter sets and different scoring methods.

Some top players are enthusiastic about the changes. Taylor Fritz declared the tournament will “count as a real Grand Slam,” while Frances Tiafoe noted that the massive prize money was an instant motivator for participation. Notable pairings include Carlos Alcaraz with Emma Raducanu, Novak Djokovic with Olga Danilovic, and Naomi Osaka partnering with Gael Monfils.

Tournament director Stacey Allaster defends the controversial restructuring, insisting it will “inspire more fans to attend and play tennis,” ultimately growing the sport. However, professional doubles players like Gaby Dabrowski and Joe Salisbury remain skeptical, viewing the event as more of a two-day exhibition than a legitimate championship.

As the tennis world watches closely, this experimental format represents a bold attempt to reimagine mixed doubles and potentially revolutionize how fans and players perceive the discipline. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen.