Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani high-five during a mixed doubles semifinal match at the 2025 US Open on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Flushing, NY. | Darren Carroll/USTA
FLUSHING, NY – As the doors to the National Tennis Center opened, the energy was electric, with fans, players, and even celebrities like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Anna Wintour soaking in the atmosphere. The revamped format and primetime ESPN coverage helped elevate mixed doubles to a whole new level of visibility and excitement.
The Arthur Ashe Stadium was completely sold out for both days of the competition. Over 20,000 fans scanned their Fan Access Passes to watch matches for free. And more than 2.2 million visits to US Open digital platforms and 12.8 million views on YouTube in a single day — setting a new record, according to USTA.
The opening of Fan Week at the 2025 US Open was a record-breaking celebration of mixed doubles tennis, drawing an impressive 78,000 fans to the grounds over just two days—August 19 and 20
“We’ve always believed that mixed doubles is undervalued in our sport and has the potential to engage and captivate many more fans,” said US Open Tournament Director Stacey Allaster. “This year, we made bold changes in scheduling, format, and player field to showcase the uniqueness of the top men and women in the world competing on the largest tennis stage in the world, and fans and players loved it.
Compared to 2023, in 2024, with a 7-day duration, total attendance was 216,029 fans, a 37% increase over 2023. Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day drew 47,875.
In 2023, with a 6-day format, it drew 157,965 fans. Arthur Ashe Kids Day hit 40,868. Opening Day drew 72,957.
While the total number (78,000) is lower than the weeklong totals of 2023-2024, it’s unprecedented for a two-day event focused solely on mixed doubles. In addition, the intensity of engagement – sold-out stadiums, celebrity turnout, and global broadcast reach- signals a significant shift in how mixed doubles is perceived and promoted.
Defending champions reclaim their title
Despite being critical about the new format, Sara Erramo and Andrea Vavassori, defending champions, reclaimed their title, winning over a thrilling final against Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, 6-3, 5-7, (10-6) and a $1 million prize money – the largest ever for mixed dobles at a Grand Slam.
They proved that doubles specialists still reign supreme when it comes to chemistry and net play. Their victory was not just a win – it was a statement. “We showed today that doubles is a great product… It was amazing to play on this court with so many people.”
Errani added, “It’s always so special. We are sharing these moments that are unforgettable.”
Journey to the Finals
Before clinching the 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles title, the duo carved a dominant path through a star-studded field. At the opening round, they beat Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina (Second seeds) in a straight-sets victory. The upset set the tone–taking down a top-seeded singles duo right out of the gate.
In the quarterfinals, they won another straight-sets win over Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev. The Italians showcased their doubles chemistry against powerful baseline hitters.
Played just before the finals, they also triumphed over Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison at 4-2, 4-2. Talk about stamina and focus.
In the final round, Errani and Vavessori proved that experience and synergy can outmatch star power, prevailing against Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud (third seeds), 6-3,5-7, (10-g). It is their only match that went to a deciding set. They built an early lead in the tie-break and never let go. Again, they proved that experience and synergy can outmatch star power. Their run was a masterclass in resilience and teamwork.
A Whirlwind of Reactions
The revamped mixed doubles format sparked a whirlwind of reactions–some thrilled, others frustrated, and a few downright fiery.
“I’m honored they asked me to play. It’s going to be great, fun, and the fans will enjoy it,” said Jessica Pegula (WTA Player Council member). She and others emphasized the need for better communication between tournament organizers and players. Some saw the shift to a two-day, high-stakes, fast-format event as prioritizing spectacle over fairness.
Reilly Opelka called his partnership with Venus Williams “a great friend outside the ‘Tour” and praised her enduring competitive spirit.
The Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducano pairing was a fan magnet, dubbed “Alcaranu” or “Raducaraz,” and embraced the fast-paced format and celebrity buzz.
However, Sara Ernani and Andrea Vavassori called the format change “a profound injustice,” arguing it marginalized dedicated doubles players.
Some criticized the US Open for prioritizing marketable singles stars over fairness and tradition, calling the format “embarrassing” and “despicable.”
Many longtime tennis fans and doubles purists were upset by the exclusion of top-ranked doubles players like Katerina Siniakova. Comments included “Poor Siniakova being tossed aside like an unwanted toy,” and also, “You actually can’t be serious– what the hell?”
Biggest win of all
The event sparked a broader debate: Should tennis evolve to attract new audiences, even if it means sidelining specialists? Fans were engaged—whether cheering or protesting—which might be the biggest win of all.
The fans at the US Open Fan Week were loud, passionate, and –depending on who you asked– either thrilled or furious. Younger audiences are especially drawn to the fast-paced format and star-studded pairings. The Alcaraz-Raducano duo (Alcaranu or Raducaraz) became instant fan favorites, lighting up social media with memes, TikToks, and highlight reels.
The $1 million prize and primetime ESPN coverage added a sense of drama and legitimacy that made mixed doubles feel like a headline event. Fans onsite raved about the interactive experiences, celebrity sightings, and the electric atmosphere of Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadiums.
The 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles Final was a rollercoaster of elite shot-making, emotional grit, and strategic brilliance.
