Stars Align for US Open‘s Bold Mixed Doubles Overhaul

New York, NY – The US Open is set to revolutionize it’s mixed doubles tournament, elevating it from a secondary event to a prime-time spectacle. Starting Tuesday, August 19th, some of tennis’ most celebrated athletes will participate in a reimagined competition, scheduled before the main draw singles matches to maximize visibility and excitement.

A New Era for Mixed Doubles

Traditionally relegated to the second week of Grand Slam tournaments, mixed doubles is undergoing a notable change. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has strategically repositioned the event five days earlier, attracting a roster of A-list players who previously navigated scheduling conflicts with singles play. This move signifies a commitment to enhancing the appeal of mixed doubles and broadening the reach of the US Open globally.

Who’s Playing? A Lineup of Champions

The tournament boasts a remarkable lineup,including men’s stars like Novak Djokovic,Carlos Alcaraz,Taylor Fritz,and Frances Tiafoe. On the women’s side, Venus Williams, Madison Keys, Naomi Osaka, and Iga Świątek will headline the competition. The presence of these top-tier players underscores the event’s newfound prestige.

Key Matchups and Schedule

The competition begins Tuesday, August 19th, with a full slate of first-round matches. The semifinals and championship will be contested on Wednesday, August 20th, culminating in a primetime final. notable first-round clashes include Caty McNally and Lorenzo Musetti’s victory over Naomi Osaka and Gael Monfils, while Iga Świątek and Casper Ruud will face Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe. Venus Williams and reilly Opelka will also take the court against Karolina Muchova and Andrey Rublev.

Date time (Eastern) Matchup
Aug. 19 Noon Iga Swiatek/Casper Ruud vs. Madison Keys/Frances Tiafoe
Aug. 19 2 PM Jessica Pegula/Jack Draper Vs. Emma Raducanu/Carlos Alcaraz
Aug. 19 3:30 PM Olga Danilovic/Novak Djokovic Vs. Mirra Andreeva/Daniil Medvedev

How to Watch the Action

Tennis fans can catch the US Open mixed doubles action on ESPN and ESPN2, as well as through streaming services like ESPN+ and fubo. Coverage begins Tuesday, August 19th, at 11 a.m. ET on ESPN2, continuing on ESPN News from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET. The championship match on Wednesday, August 20th, will air on ESPN2 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET.

The Evolution of Mixed Doubles in Tennis

Mixed doubles, though a staple of Grand Slam events, has historically lacked the mainstream appeal of men’s and women’s singles. This revamp at the US Open reflects a broader trend towards gender inclusivity and the promotion of more diverse competitive formats within the sport. The increased prize money – up to $1 million for the winning team – also signals a significant investment in the event’s future. According to data from the ATP and WTA, participation in mixed doubles has seen a steady rise in recent years, particularly among players seeking new challenges and opportunities for collaboration.

Did you know? Mixed doubles was first introduced at Wimbledon in 1913.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on partnerships featuring players with complementary skill sets – strong servers paired with exceptional net players often prove accomplished in mixed doubles.

Frequently Asked Questions About the US Open Mixed Doubles