The Tennis Tribe join Brenner for a doubles roundup, including a look back on the US Open mixed version.
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🎯 US Open Mixed Doubles: What Actually Happened + How It Feels
What changed:
The mixed doubles draw was cut from 32 teams to 16.
It was moved to qualifying week (i.e. just before the main singles/doubles action), rather than during the US Open proper.
Half of the teams (8) got in based on combined singles rankings, the other half via wild cards. Doubles ranking had much less weight (which upset some doubles specialists).
The format is compressed: short sets, no-ad scoring, a 10-point match tiebreak in lieu of a full third set.
The winners (Sara Errani & Andrea Vavassori) defended their title, beating Iga Swiatek & Casper Ruud in the final (6-3, 5-7, [10-6]).
Pros observed:
Spectacle & fan excitement increased. Playing in big show courts (including Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong), crowds turned up, and there was a buzz especially during the semis and final.
Star power helped draw attention: Singles stars paired up, which tends to draw more media eyes & casual viewers.
Despite the criticisms, the format apparently delivered high-tension matches. The final in particular was close.
Cons / concerns:
Doubles specialists feel sidelined. Many of them can’t meet the singles-ranking criteria, and the draw is much smaller. This means fewer slots, less chance.
Tradition / prestige dilution. Some critics argue that because of the format changes and scheduling, mixed doubles is less “Grand Slam-y” this year. The questions raised: Is it more exhibition than major? How much of the tradition remains?
Format trade-offs. Short sets, no-ads, match tiebreakers are fun for fans, but some feel you lose depth / momentum / “true test” in matches, especially for specialists.
🔍 Davis Cup & BJK Cup Latest
Here’s where things stand:
Davis Cup:
Germany, France, Argentina (among others) have qualified for the Davis Cup Final 8.
Spain pulled off a comeback against Denmark to take the last spot in the Final 8.
Belgium also edged out Australia to qualify.
So the Final 8 teams are: Italy (host), Germany, France, Argentina, Spain, Belgium, Czech Republic, and Austria.
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