Tennis legend Paul McNamee is not a fan of the U.S. Open’s “reimagined” mixed doubles format..

McNamee, who won four Grand Slam men’s doubles titles and was ranked No. 1 in the world in doubles, posted on social media:

“Sets to 4 games in a Grand Slam? 16 teams with 8 based on singles rankings and 8 wildcards. I’m sorry, but the US Open now will not produce a bona fide mixed doubles winner. Devalued from a Grand Slam title to an exo. Let’s just say I’m in shock”

The USTA announced Tuesday a “reimagined” mixed doubles format that will be moved to the first week of the U.S. Open from Tuesday, August 19–Wednesday, August 20. All matches will be played in Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium and the event will be featured during primetime ESPN and international broadcast coverage.

The U.S. Open singles draws don’t begin until Aug. 24 and run through Sept. 7. The singles draws will start on a Sunday for the first time, making it a 15-day singles event like the Australian Open and Roland Garros. But with the inclusion of the new mixed doubles format, the tournament will now span a total of 17 days.

The USTA says the revised timeline – “no longer played during the main draw of singles play” – will allow “a blockbuster field of the sport’s biggest stars [to] have a greater opportunity to team up to vie for this coveted Grand Slam title and a $1M winner’s prize.

“I could not be more excited to introduce this groundbreaking innovation to the 2025 US Open Championships,” said Lew Sherr, USTA Executive Director and CEO. “We’ll be scheduling mixed doubles on the center stage and enabling more fans worldwide to enjoy the thrill of watching their favorite stars compete for this coveted Grand Slam Championship title. One of the primary reasons the US Open is among the premier sports events in the world is because it features the best athletes, both male and female, competing on an equal stage. This is the official US Open Mixed Doubles Championship, and by giving the competition its own spotlight we’re elevating mixed doubles to put an even greater focus on the incredible talent we have across the sport. We’re working closely with top players, many of whom are eager to be part of this historic change. Having our broadcasting partners, including ESPN, onboard to showcase this innovation only adds to the excitement, ensuring that fans everywhere will get to witness these elite athletes team up and redefine the game together.”

Various American tennis stars say they’re on board with the new format.

“As a player who enjoys competing in doubles, I’m excited for the opportunity to play the 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship during the first week,” said world No. 5 Jessica Pegula, the No. 2 American woman. “I appreciate the importance of innovation and exploring new ways to engage more fans and grow our sport.”

Taylor Fritz, the top-ranked American man and world No. 4 added: “Mixed doubles is always a great challenge, and I’ve had some amazing experiences with it over the years, from the Olympics to the United Cup, and even the USO Mixed Madness last year. I’m definitely looking forward to the chance to compete for a Grand Slam title in the future.”

The USTA is changing the format one year after it held the 2024 US Open Mixed Madness in Arthur Ashe Stadium, won by Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Substantial attendance figures, along with enthusiasm from broadcast partners and positive feedback from players, partners and fans showed the desire for a showcase of top players in this format. Innovations include:

• A player field featuring 16 teams – eight teams earning direct entry based on their combined singles ranking and eight wild-card entries.
• Best-of-three-set matches with short sets to four games, no-ad scoring, tiebreakers at four-all and a 10-point match tiebreak in lieu of a third set.
• The final will be a best-of-three set match to six games, featuring no-ad scoring, with tiebreakers at six-all and a 10-point match tiebreaker in lieu of a third set.
• All matches played in Arthur Ashe Stadium or Louis Armstrong Stadium.

“We are pleased to offer prime time coverage of this novel and unique development in Grand Slam tennis. The reimagined US Open Mixed Doubles Championship brings the blended intensity and camaraderie of mixed doubles to a wide ESPN audience,” said Tim Bunnell, senior vice president of programming & acquisitions, ESPN. “It is an ideal fit for US Open Fan Week programming, and a compelling momentum builder to the main draw. We applaud and eagerly anticipate this innovative effort by the USTA.”