US Open 2025: Everyone is talking about “bold” mixed doubles, but other Grand Slams are unlikely to follow
Ultimately, the two-day Courtside DJ will be there to attract the crowds and encourage a raucous atmosphere – which will be considered a success.
Britain’s Jack Draper is ranked fifth in the ATP singles rankings, but has limited doubles experience, which he said is a “great” game.
“If I’m not playing the mix here, I’ll train. I prefer playing on the big court in front of people. It will get your attention faster,” he said.
After the action on the opening day, Draper made Freudian’s note, which initially proved convincing.
Draper was ridiculed by his partner, Jessica Pegula, for describing the new look event as an “exhibition” – a word that was demeaned by critics.
But after their semifinal exit, Draper longs to point out that the event didn’t seem like a giggle after all.
“[On Tuesday] Sometimes, this feels more than our opponents. ” he said.
“Although we were in the locker room tonight, you see Iga and Casper, but they were like dialing completely. It was intense.”
Fans on the ground in New York also showed interest in different things.
On opening day, the 25,000-seat Arthur Ashe Stadium was about two-thirds when A List A paired Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz stepped out of the popular interstellar reception.
For Wednesday’s semi-finals and finals, the price of facial tickets ranges from $50 (£37) to $262 (£195), and it’s just a complete house with only one empty seat at the back.
Ticketkeepers Hilary Hamm and Maria Segovia – avid tennis fans who used to travel from New York to Wimbledon and the Australian Open – admit that they rarely watched mixed doubles in the past.
“Transferring it from the final weekend to an independent event caught our attention,” said Maria, 32. “If it was to increase crowd participation, I would definitely see more of this kind of event.”
Hilary, also 32, added: “I think it’s amazing. It’s particularly inspiring to watch the women leading male partners, showing that tennis needs to host a strong mixed gender match featuring stars.”
