Context:

The US Open has introduced a new format for mixed doubles, attracting high-profile players like Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz among the 16 pairs entered. The event will take place on 19-20 August, preceding the main Grand Slam, aiming to draw top singles players with a standalone showcase. Notable tennis figures such as Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Naomi Osaka are among the entrants, which has sparked excitement as well as criticism from some doubles specialists. The format features best-of-three sets with no-ad scoring and a 10-point match tie-break in place of a third set. Despite initial criticism, the USTA's initiative hopes to enhance visibility and engagement for mixed doubles at the US Open.

Dive Deeper:

• Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz are among the 16 eye-catching pairings signed up for the US Open's revamped mixed doubles event, emphasizing a blend of high-profile singles players.

• The event is scheduled as a standalone competition on 19-20 August, a strategic move by the USTA to increase participation and interest from top-tier singles players before the Grand Slam begins.

• Prominent players such as Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Naomi Osaka have expressed interest, although final participation depends on confirmation by the 28 July deadline.

• The mixed doubles matches will be played in a best-of-three-set format, with early rounds to four games and a novel scoring system that includes no-ad scoring and a 10-point match tie-breaker.

• The top eight teams based on combined singles rankings will be directly accepted, while the remaining spots will be filled via wildcards, reflecting a competitive selection process.

• Despite the enthusiasm, the decision has faced backlash from some doubles players, who criticized it as unfair, notably from past US Open mixed doubles champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori.

• The USTA's Lew Sherr expressed confidence in the initiative, highlighting the excitement among players and the potential appeal for tennis fans, despite the mixed reactions from the tennis community.