The tennis world is still buzzing from the electrifying spectacle of the 2025 US Open’s reimagined mixed doubles event, a star-studded affair that drew massive crowds and global attention. Emma Raducanu, Britain’s 2021 US Open champion, was at the heart of the excitement, partnering with five-time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz in a format that prioritized singles superstars and a fast-paced, fan-friendly structure. Despite its success, Wimbledon, the sport’s most storied Grand Slam, has no plans to adopt a similar approach, disappointing Raducanu, who passionately advocated for change. “I think it would be so fun if all the slams got involved and did something similar, even if it was not the exact same format,” she said, praising the US Open’s ability to engage fans. “It was a huge success. So many fans got involved, so many people watched and tuned in. It got a lot of attention.”
The US Open’s bold experiment, held on August 19-20 before the main draw, featured a 16-team field dominated by singles stars like Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and Naomi Osaka, lured by a $1 million prize and appearance fees reportedly exceeding $50,000. The “Fast4” format—best-of-three sets to four games with no-ad scoring and a 10-point tie-break instead of a third set—created a festival-like atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium, drawing 78,000 fans over two days. Raducanu and Alcaraz, despite a first-round 4-2, 4-2 loss to Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula, captivated the New York crowd. “I had a lot of fun on the court playing with Carlos,” Raducanu reflected, emphasizing the event’s role in building pre-tournament hype. The highlight of their brief campaign came when Alcaraz chased down a dipping backhand, earning a stunned glance from Raducanu.
However, the format sparked controversy, particularly among doubles specialists. Reigning champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, the only traditional doubles pair in the draw, won the title, proving their mettle with victories over Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, then Karolina Muchova and Andrey Rublev. “When we got the wildcard… I was grateful to play. We are also playing for [doubles players],” Errani said, highlighting the exclusion of specialists. Wimbledon champion Sem Verbeek, unable to compete in New York, expressed heartbreak, stating, “My heart is bleeding,” while Jamie Murray called it a “glorified exhibition.” Critics argued the format diminished the Grand Slam’s prestige, with Kristina Mladenovic declaring, “There’s no problem organizing such an event, but don’t call it a Grand Slam!”
Wimbledon’s reluctance to follow suit stems from its deep-rooted traditions and logistical constraints. Unlike the US Open, which hosts qualifying on-site during “Fan Week,” Wimbledon’s qualifying takes place at Roehampton, and its fragile grass courts limit pre-tournament activity. The All England Club views mixed doubles as a cherished part of its fortnight, with packed crowds appreciating the traditional format. British doubles star Henry Patten, a Wimbledon and Australian Open champion, acknowledged the US Open’s success but defended Wimbledon’s stance. “I’m sure Emma is probably up for it… but if you want to keep it traditional, which I think is what Wimbledon stands for, then probably not,” he said, noting the event’s appeal but its reliance on appearance fees.
Raducanu’s plea aligns with a broader push to modernize tennis, a sentiment echoed by Billie Jean King, a long-time advocate for mixed-gender events. Yet, the French Open and Australian Open also show little appetite for change, constrained by tradition and finances. The Australian Open, despite its history of innovation like 10-point match tie-breaks, lacks the US Open’s financial muscle. Raducanu’s enthusiasm, fueled by her Gen Z appeal and chemistry with Alcaraz, has sparked debate about mixed doubles’ future. “It gets everyone involved the week before the tournament and builds a lot of talk,” she told reporters, envisioning a format that could draw younger audiences.
As Wimbledon plans its Park Project to expand facilities, including on-site qualifying, it may explore pre-tournament events. For now, though, the All England Club remains committed to its classic approach, leaving Raducanu’s vision unfulfilled. The US Open’s experiment, while divisive, proved mixed doubles could be a blockbuster, but Wimbledon’s loyalty to tradition ensures its grass courts will host doubles as they have since 1913, balancing heritage with the sport’s evolving landscape.
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