Open mixed double change brings shock to many

The U.S. Open mixed doubles tournament is changing, and not everyone is happy about it. The event is now faster and shorter, with only 16 teams playing over two days in August. Half the teams will get in based on their singles rankings, while the other half will need special invites, which is not skill-based.

Many top singles players like Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu want to play, but doubles experts who usually play in this event are not happy. Last year’s winners, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, might not get to defend their title because their singles rankings aren’t high enough, so they might not get to play. They called the changes “unfair.”

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova said the new rules make the tournament feel more like a show than a real competition. The U.S. Open says the changes will make mixed doubles more exciting for fans. U.S. Open wants to see famous players teaming up in short matches

Some people think this is good for tennis because more fans will watch. Other people think it’s not fair to players who focus on doubles. The tournament will still happen, but there is still a big argument between people.