Jessica Pegula, the world No. 4 and a prominent voice on the WTA Player Council, is gearing up for the revamped US Open mixed doubles event with a blend of enthusiasm and exasperation. Set to partner with fellow American Tommy Paul in the high-profile, $1 million tournament on August 19-20, 2025, at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Pegula has voiced strong criticism of the USTA’s handling of the event’s overhaul. “We were like, Okay, you guys went rogue and changed the format and didn’t tell anybody. You just did it,” she said after her 6-4, 6-3 victory over Kimberly Birrell in the second round of the Cincinnati Open on August 10, 2025. Her candid remarks highlight a broader discontent among players, even as she acknowledges the event’s potential to captivate fans.
The US Open’s mixed doubles format, announced in February 2025, has been transformed into a condensed, star-studded spectacle featuring 16 teams—down from 32 last year—with eight entries based on combined singles rankings and eight wildcards. Matches will use a fast-four scoring system, with best-of-three sets, no-advantage scoring, tiebreakers at four-all, and a 10-point tiebreak in lieu of a third set. The final will revert to traditional six-game sets. Pegula, a former world No. 1 in doubles with seven titles, including two WTA 1000 crowns alongside Coco Gauff, is excited about the event’s appeal. “I’m honored that they asked me to play. I think it’s going to be great, I think it’s going to be fun and the fans will really enjoy it,” she told reporters in Cincinnati’s mixed zone. Yet, her excitement is tempered by frustration over the lack of player input. “Did you talk to the players? Did you get their input about how it could be better?” she asked, emphasizing the need for smoother communication.
The overhaul has sparked significant backlash, particularly from doubles specialists like 2024 champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who called it a “profound injustice” for prioritizing singles stars like Jannik Sinner, Iga Świątek, and Carlos Alcaraz over traditional doubles players. Pegula echoed their concerns, noting the financial impact on those excluded. “It’s not good when you have players saying they’re upset that now they can’t play, or that it’s a way for them to make money and now they don’t have that,” she said. The reduced field has sidelined many doubles veterans, who rely on Grand Slam earnings, prompting Pegula to advocate for better dialogue. “I feel like maybe if there was feedback about the format, then the reaction would be a little different, not so all over the place,” she added, highlighting the chaotic response within the locker room.
Pegula’s critique comes amidst a grueling schedule, with the Cincinnati Open’s Monday final on August 18 followed immediately by the US Open mixed doubles starting Tuesday. “The two weeks, I feel like it’s crushing a lot of the players a little bit,” she said, pointing to the physical toll of the packed summer calendar, including the Canadian Open’s Thursday conclusion. Her own Cincinnati campaign, where she reached the quarterfinals after defeating Emma Raducanu and Taylor Townsend, showcases her resilience. As a 2024 US Open singles finalist and a seven-time major quarterfinalist, Pegula is no stranger to high stakes. Her doubles pedigree, including a 2022 French Open final with Gauff and a 2023 US Open mixed doubles final with Austin Krajicek, makes her a formidable contender in New York.
Despite her reservations, Pegula remains optimistic about the event’s entertainment value, with star pairings like Alcaraz and Raducanu adding allure. Her advocacy, rooted in her Player Council role and a co-signed letter to Grand Slams demanding greater profit shares, reflects her commitment to players’ rights. As she prepares for the US Open, Pegula’s voice—both on the court and off—continues to shape the sport’s future, balancing excitement for a “fun” event with a call for respect and inclusion.
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