US Open Introduces Qualifying Stage for Mixed Doubles Competition

The US Open has incorporated a qualifying round into its mixed doubles event, aiming to offer more opportunities to traditional doubles players. The decision comes after criticism over last year's format, which predominantly favored singles players.

A new qualifying round has been added to the US Open's mixed doubles event, enhancing possibilities for traditional doubles specialists who found themselves sidelined last year in favor of singles stars.

The US Tennis Association announced that on August 24, an eight-team qualifying competition will take place, with teams vying for the final two spots in the event's 16-team main draw. Last year, defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori were the only dedicated doubles team, relying on a wild card to participate.

In its new format introduced in the previous year, the event was moved to the start of the tournament, drawing criticism from doubles players who felt the competition served more as an exhibition, excluding them for the sake of singles players. Particularly contentious was the significant USD 1 million prize for winners, which exceeded typical doubles earnings.

The revised schedule sees the first round and quarterfinals on August 25, followed by semifinals and the final on August 26.