The 2025 U.S. Open mixed doubles tournament at Arthur Ashe Stadium generated significant commercial success and packed crowds, drawing 78,000 total fans across a compressed two-day schedule, according to reports. The revamped event featured top singles stars competing for a $1 million prize, culminating in Karolína Muchová and Jakub Menšík winning the title over Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli with a 6-3, 1-6, (10-6) victory on Wednesday night.
Commercial Success and Format Changes at Arthur Ashe Stadium
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) overhauled the mixed doubles format for 2025 to boost declining viewership. The event was moved to the final full week in August, shortened to sets of four games with no-ad scoring and a super tiebreak, and structured around combined singles rankings rather than traditional doubles pedigree. This approach brought high-profile singles names including Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, and Serena Williams into the draw.
The changes produced an immediate commercial turnaround, driving a two-day sellout at Arthur Ashe Stadium and attracting over 20,000 additional fans watching free at Louis Armstrong Stadium. ESPN platforms averaged 343,000 viewers, while the broadcast reached 17 networks across more than 170 countries, establishing a new viewership high for mixed doubles at the tournament.
High-Profile Partnerships and On-Court Action
The tournament featured notable pairings that captured fan and media interest. The final featured Karolína Muchová and Jakub Menšík defeating Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli. Other notable teams included Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev, alongside married couple Elina Svitolina and Gaël Monfils reaching the semifinals on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The event combined unusual partnerships and unexpected chemistry, offering a stark contrast to the standard, highly structured tennis calendar. The lighthearted atmosphere was punctuated by moments such as Cobolli telling Bencic during the trophy ceremony, “I love to play with you, I’d love to stay with you — not in that sense!”
Criticism from Doubles Specialists
Despite the commercial success, the new format drew sharp criticism from established doubles professionals. Reigning mixed doubles champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori labeled the decision a profound injustice that disrespected players whose livelihoods depend on traditional Grand Slam mixed doubles standards. British player Joe Salisbury also stated that while bringing major singles names to the event draws attention, the restructured tournament no longer functions as a proper doubles competition.
Additional criticism centered on the entry system itself. Top-ranked doubles specialists, such as men’s doubles No. 1 Henry Patten and women’s doubles No. 1 Kateřina Siniaková, had to qualify for the tournament because entry criteria favored singles rankings. Critics argued that prioritizing singles stars sidelined athletes who spent their careers mastering the specific discipline.
FAQ
Who won the 2025 U.S. Open mixed doubles tournament?
What were the main changes to the mixed doubles format?
The USTA moved the tournament to the last week of August, compressed it into two days, offered a $1 million prize, used combined singles rankings for entry, and shortened matches to sets of four games with no-ad scoring and a super tiebreak.
What was the total attendance for the event?
Total attendance across the two-day event reached 78,000 fans, setting a record for mixed doubles at the U.S. Open.
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