Djokovic backs new mixed doubles formula at the US Open
Novak Djokovic, who’ll parther with Olga Danilovic, has endorsed the US Open’s bold overhaul of its mixed doubles event, calling it a fun and fan-friendly innovation.
Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2025 | © SPP / PsNewz
Novak Djokovic has thrown his support behind the revamped mixed doubles event at this year’s US Open, praising its ability to inject excitement while attracting top singles stars. His endorsement comes amid mixed reactions from fans and doubles specialists over the radical changes introduced by the USTA.
“I know that there are quite divided opinions on whether this should have taken place,” Djokovic said after qualifying for the fourth round at Wimbledon. “I understand the arguments on both sides, to be honest. But I guess in terms of the fun and entertainment and attracting the top players… that’s what they got with this change.”
“It is what it is. The US Open or USTA makes these decisions. I’m excited to play that mixed doubles event. It’s a very short couple‑day event. I think it should be very, very entertaining.”
This year marks a drastic shift in format. The mixed doubles will now take place over just two days – August 19 and 20, during US Open “Fan Week” – with a draw of only 16 teams. Eight pairs will qualify based on combined singles rankings, while another eight will receive wildcards. Matches before the final will follow a fast format: short sets to four games, no-ad scoring, and a 10-point match tiebreaker in place of a third set. The final will be played as a best-of-three sets match to six games, also with no-ad scoring and a 10-point tiebreak if needed.
Djokovic with Danilovic
The significant prize money – $1 million for the champions, triple the 2024 purse – is a major draw for the sport’s top names. Tournament director Stacey Allaster has described the overhaul as an effort to elevate mixed doubles into a headline act. She cited the star-studded field, which includes Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Emma Raducanu, Iga Świątek, and Djokovic himself, who will partner with fellow Serbian Olga Danilović.
“I knew I wanted to play with Olga,” Djokovic said of the world No. 37, whom he has known since her junior days.
“Olga is also someone that I’ve known since she was very, very young. Her father is a basketball legend in our country. Since the very young age we knew that she has a lot of talent and potential. She started winnning when she was only 18 years of age. Then she struggled for few years, some injuries, confidence issues. She was training at my center. Yeah, she’s one of the probably players that I helped the most throughout my career, her and the other young men’s tennis player from Serbia, Medjedovic. Those two were the biggest prospects. I was trying to support them in any way I can.”
“We played mixed doubles in the United Cup last year. It was fun, a lot of fun. So when I heard about the new change of the mixed doubles event at the US Open, she was the first one I thought of. I want to play with Serbian player. She’s obviously the top right now. We’re both excited. It’s going to be fun.” The pair previously teamed up at the United Cup, making them one of the more cohesive duos in the field.
Not everyone is on board, however. Two-time mixed doubles Grand Slam champion Jan Zieliński criticized the selection process on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “I guess winning two Grand Slams in mixed doubles in a year is not enough to get an invitation to the US Open ‘exhibition’ event.”
Despite the pushback, the format has attracted an impressive lineup of mixed doubles pairings, including:
- Emma Raducanu / Carlos Alcaraz
- Emma Navarro / Jannik Sinner
- Iga Świątek / Casper Ruud
- Naomi Osaka / Nick Kyrgios
- Mirra Andreeva / Daniil Medvedev
- Madison Keys / Frances Tiafoe
As Djokovic put it, “It should be very, very entertaining” — and all eyes will be on New York to see whether this experiment reinvigorates mixed doubles or simply divides the tennis world further.
