Tennis fans are frothing over the chance to see some of the world’s best singles players team up in mixed doubles at the US Open, with Nick Kyrgios set to play with Naomi Osaka, and Carlos Alcaraz linking up with Emma Raducanu. US Open officials have completely revamped the mixed doubles format for this year’s grand slam – a move that has proven controversial.
Tradition has been thrown out the window in favour of a shorter format that will take place in the week before the singles competition begins. Most matches will be best-of-three sets played to four games instead of six, with a deciding point played at deuce. Tie-breakers will be played at 4-4 rather than 6-6, while a first-to-10-points match tie-breaker will replace a normal third set.
Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka (L) have formed a team, as have Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu (R). Image: AAP/Getty
The changes are designed to attract the world’s best singles players to enter the mixed doubles, with priority given to those highest in the singles rankings. Because it will take place in the ‘fan week’ before the singles competition begins, some of the world’s leading players will be free to take part.
And it’s sparked an overwhelming response from the players. Among the current top-10 singles players, only women’s World No.2 Coco Gauff and men’s No.9 Holger Rune haven’t entered so far. Men’s World No.1 Jannik Sinner has paired with American women’s No.9 Emma Navarro, while men’s No.2 Alcaraz will play with former US Open champion Raducanu.
Women’s No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has linked up with men’s No.19 Grigor Dimitrov, while Kyrgios and Osaka have also formed a team. Kyrgios and Osaka would need a wildcard to gain entry, given they’re ranked 633rd and 57th respectively. But given the revamped format is aimed at attracting more fans, viewers and sponsors, there’s little chance such a high-profile pairing would be rejected.
Nick Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka have a strong bond. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Lotte New York Palace )
Carlos Alacarz approached Emma Raducanu to team up
The first eight teams are determined on their combined singles ranking, while another eight teams will be given wildcards. Alcaraz revealed on Tuesday it was his suggestion to play with Raducanu, and the British star eventually obliged.
“I was thinking that I couldn’t play better if it wasn’t with Emma,” the Spaniard said after beating Australia’s Adam Walton 6-4 7-6 in the first round at Queen’s. “I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me – I made that special request.
“She’s going to be the boss. I’ve known Emma for a really long time and I have a really good relationship with her. We will try to win. But obviously it’s going to be really, really fun.”
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US Tennis Association CEO Lew Sherr said on Tuesday: “Seeing the teams that have already put their names on the entry list makes us all incredibly excited. It shows that the players are behind what we are trying to do, and we know that the fans will love it.”
Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu in Spain in 2024. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images for LTA)
Tennis world reacts amid controversial US Open change
However the changes have been slammed in the doubles community, as many of the world’s best players in the format will be frozen out. Many of the world’s best doubles players are specialists in the format and rely on prize money from grand slams to get by.
Aussie doubles specialist Ellen Perez said previously: “Tell us that you think doubles players are trash, that tradition is overrated and job opportunity is a thing of the past without actually saying it.” Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who have entered but will need a wildcard given their singles rankings, said the changes were a “profound injustice” that disrespects doubles players, describing the new event as a “pseudo-exhibition focused only on entertainment and show”. They added: “Making decisions just following the logic of profit is profoundly wrong in some situations.”
Australian No.1 Alex de Minaur hasn’t entered as yet, but said on Tuesday that he and his British fiancee Kate Boulter (currently World No.39) are planning on doing so. “We’re definitely going to be keen to try and play if they allow us to and if they want us to,” he said. “If that’s an option, then we’ll definitely be up for it.”
I’m so happy with ATP/WTA for this.
— SniperWins (@SniperWins) June 17, 2025
Either this will be the most famous mixed doubles ever (because of the star power of players) or it’ll be a pointless exhibition because of possible lack of seriousness from singles players for a doubles event.
No in between!
— Manohar Kanapaka (@mkanapaka) June 17, 2025
with AAP
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