As the sun rises over Flushing Meadows, excitement permeates the air for one of tennis’s most distinctive and compelling formats: mixed doubles. Often overshadowed by the singles spotlight, mixed doubles combines the artistry and strategy of men’s and women’s tennis, delivering unpredictable thrills and a cherished social dynamic. This year at the US Open, the mixed doubles competition is not just a side event—it’s a headline attraction, showcasing elite talent, rich history, and new ambitions for the sport.

Mixed doubles boasts a long, fascinating history. The format emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, evolving alongside the early days of organized tennis. Mixed doubles was popularized at Wimbledon, which introduced the event in 1913, reflecting the Victorian-era social contexts where men’s and women’s sports were largely separate. By combining genders on the court, mixed doubles offered a fresh, cooperative dynamic that appealed to spectators and participants alike. The format soon became a staple at all four Grand Slam tournaments—Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open—cementing its status in tennis tradition.

While mixed doubles has often played second fiddle to singles and same-gender doubles in terms of media coverage and prestige, this began to shift in recent decades. Part of this change came with tennis legends participating for the challenge and the charisma the format offers. For example, the Williams sisters—Serena and Venus—regularly played mixed doubles in their earlier careers, and John McEnroe famously excelled in the discipline as well. Over time, mixed doubles has been viewed not only as a fun exhibition but a serious contest requiring unique interplay and tactical nuance, as each team must leverage the different strengths men and women bring to the court.

Today, mixed doubles has seen a resurgence in prominence, especially at Grand Slam events like the US Open. Prize money has increased substantially, reflecting the growing recognition and professionalization of the event. In an unprecedented move, the 2025 US Open offers a $1 million prize for the winning mixed doubles team—a milestone for the discipline at a Grand Slam level. With 16 teams competing, the depth and quality of the field promise intense competition.

This year’s mixed doubles at Flushing Meadows is marked by a star-studded lineup that spans generations and styles. ATP and WTA champions and title-holders converge in pairs that blend power, finesse, experience, and youth. Novak Djokovic, a titan with 24 Grand Slam singles titles, joins forces with rising Serb talent Olga Danilovic, bringing a blend of mastery and youthful energy. Carlos Alcaraz, the recent sensation of men’s tennis, partners with Emma Raducanu, whose resurgence on the WTA Tour has been remarkable. Meanwhile, US crowd favorites like Frances Tiafoe and Madison Keys, and veterans including Venus Williams—who, with her 23 Grand Slam singles titles, remains an enduring icon—add star power and fan excitement.

Some pairings provide intriguing contrasts: Jannik Sinner, known for his aggressive baseline play, teams up with Katerina Siniakova, a doubles specialist with multiple Grand Slam titles. The likes of Gael Monfils and Naomi Osaka, both immensely popular and charismatic, mix flair with competitive firepower. Such teams represent not only the blend of genders but also playing styles and personalities, which often inject unpredictability into matches.

Mixed doubles demands more than the sum of its parts. It requires extraordinary teamwork, communication, and tactical adaptation. The unique rules of doubles—such as poaching at the net, coordinated court coverage, and exploiting serve-and-volley moments—combine with the gender dynamic to make matches particularly engaging. The strategic dance between partners, each adjusting based on their counterparts’ strengths and weaknesses, fuels exciting, fast-paced exchanges that capture the imagination of tennis enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

Beyond the immediate competition, mixed doubles holds cultural significance in tennis history. It echoes the sport’s social origins, promoting inclusivity and partnership. The format has also been a platform where players have forged lifelong friendships and even families. The legendary couple Chris Evert and John Lloyd, though not Grand Slam mixed doubles champions, famously brought attention to the format by regularly competing together, accentuating mixed doubles’ personal and human dimensions.

Looking ahead, mixed doubles is poised to grow further in prominence. Governing bodies and tournament organizers are increasingly embracing innovations—such as shortened match formats and no-ad scoring—to enhance viewer appeal while preserving the format’s integrity. The 2025 US Open mixed doubles competition is a perfect showcase of this vibrant evolution, blending tradition, innovation, and star appeal.

Fans eager to witness this dynamic pairing of athleticism and cooperation should mark their calendars. The mixed doubles battles unfold between August 19 and 20, offering an electrifying display of skill, strategy, and heart. As the ball flies across the net in these mixed teams, every match will reveal new stories, upsets, and moments of brilliance—reminding us that mixed doubles is not just an add-on but a vital and thrilling strand of tennis’s rich tapestry.