US Open Announces Radical Overhaul of Mixed Doubles Event
Introduction
The US Open has announced a radical overhaul of its mixed doubles event, with the competition set to run as a standalone event in the week before the main men’s and women’s singles draws. The move, which has been met with criticism from some quarters, will see the event take place over two days on August 19-20 at Flushing Meadows.
New Format and Rules
The tournament will be made up of 16 teams, with eight teams earning direct entry based on their combined singles ranking playing alongside eight wild-card entrants. Each match will be played as best-of-three sets, but sets will be abbreviated to first to four games, with no-advantage scoring, tiebreakers at four-all, and a 10-point match tiebreak in lieu of a third set. The final will be best-of-three to six games, but also featuring no-advantage scoring, with tiebreaks at six games all and a 10-point match tiebreaker instead of a third set.
Criticism from the Tennis Community
Not everyone is happy with the changes, with Paul McNamee, the Australian former doubles world No 1, criticizing the move, saying it would devalue the US Open mixed doubles title. "Sets to four games in a Grand Slam? 16 teams with eight based on singles rankings and eight wildcards. I’m sorry, but the US Open now will not produce a bona fide mixed doubles winner," he wrote.
History of Mixed Doubles at the US Open
The US Open has a long history of mixed doubles competition, with the first event held in 1924. The tournament has been played alongside the main singles events since its inception, with many top players competing in both events.
Conclusion
The US Open’s decision to overhaul its mixed doubles event has sparked controversy in the tennis community, with some players and fans questioning the changes. While the event may be more exciting for fans, the changes have come at a cost, with the value of the title potentially being diminished. Only time will tell if the new format will be a success or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the new format for the US Open mixed doubles event?
A: The event will be played as a standalone event, with 16 teams competing over two days, August 19-20.
Q: How will the matches be played?
A: Each match will be played as best-of-three sets, with sets abbreviated to first to four games, and no-advantage scoring, tiebreakers at four-all, and a 10-point match tiebreak in lieu of a third set.
Q: What is the criticism of the new format?
A: Some players and fans are criticizing the changes, saying it will devalue the US Open mixed doubles title and limit opportunities for doubles specialists.