US Open organisers’ controversial mixed doubles revamp has received a major boost as another of tennis’ power couples have indicated that they are “planning to play”.
In an attempt to increase interest in the event, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has announced a restructure of the mixed doubles with the tournament set to take place the week before the US Open gets underway.
The drastic changes include the event being held across just two days, the early-round matches being best-of-three sets and first to four games with no ad scoring.
Prize money will shoot out and organisers hope the changes will lead to an increase in singles players competing with 16 spots up for grabs.
The Italian pair of Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori won the mixed doubles event last year and they earned $200,000 as a team, but that cheque will jump significantly as the 2025 winners will receive $1 million.
This year’s tournament will see eight teams earn direct entry via their combined singles ranking while the other eight will come via wildcard entries.
Tennis couple Stefanos Tsitispas and Paula Badosa – both ranked inside the top 20 – look set to compete with the former confirming their plans for the hard-court Grand Slam.
“We are planning to play. She’s the mixed doubles partner I would always play with,” the Greek said.
“I don’t have any other options out there or any other female player that I would want to play mixed doubles with. She’s always under my consideration and always someone I would want to share the court with.”
Tsitsidosa – as they are known as – competed in the mixed doubles event at the US Open last year, but lost in straight sets in the first round.