New Delhi: The season’s opening Grand Slam Australian Open on Thursday has made it clear that it will not follow the US Open’s decision to radically overhaul the mixed doubles competition and play it before the start of the main tournament.
Earlier this week, the US Open announced significant changes to its mixed doubles event shifting it to the week before the main draw and altering the match format. The US mixed doubles is set to be held on 19-20 August which will expand to a 15-day event from this year beginning on Sunday, 24 August.
The decision has sparked criticism from many with former doubles world number one Paul McNamee arguing that this will diminish the value of the title. The reigning US Open mixed doubles champions, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, also expressed their disappointment and called the changes a “profound injustice.”
Despite the backlash, Tennis Australia remains steadfast in its approach. In a statement, the organisation emphasised that mixed doubles are an integral part of the tournament and a rare platform where men and women can compete together at the highest level.
The statement read, “Mixed doubles is a fantastic showcase for tennis and one of the few opportunities in a global sport where men and women athletes can compete alongside and against each other.”
Tennis Australia further stated that their entire summer of tennis leading up to the Australian Open focuses on providing more opportunities for players, increasing competition on the biggest stage, and ensuring strong prize money incentives. While they continually seek ways to grow the sport their focus for AO 2026 remains on promoting all doubles formats, including mixed doubles.
US Open backs mixed doubles decision
US Open organisers have defended their decision that the change would allow “the sport’s biggest stars” to participate in mixed doubles and claimed “ excitement is high among the game’s stars who have already expressed intent to compete” in the new format.
Under the new rules, matches will still be best-of-three sets but sets will be shortened to four games instead of the standard six with no-advantage scoring and a 10-point match tie-break instead of a third set throughout.
Mixed Doubles will take center stage at the US Open in 2025! pic.twitter.com/2CPEtBJodJ
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) February 11, 2025
With Tennis Australia standing firm, the mixed doubles event at the season’s first Grand Slam is set to continue as a key fixture, offering fans the unique excitement of men and women competing side by side.
The Australian Open rejects US Open’s mixed doubles changes ensuring it remains a key fixture with men and women competing side by side. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
