US Open Mixed Doubles: Jessica Pegula Backs Event but Urges More Dialogue

Jessica Pegula 

Jessica Pegula supports the US Open's mixed doubles event but emphasizes the need for better communication between organizers and players.

“I feel like maybe if there was feedback about the format, then the (reaction) would be a little different...”

World number four Jessica Pegula has expressed her support for the US Open's revamped mixed doubles event, calling it “fun” and acknowledging its potential to generate strong spectator interest. However, she also emphasized the importance of improving communication between organizers and players before implementing significant format changes.

Pegula's Comments:

Pegula's comments come after the US Open announced its mixed doubles lineup, which features high-profile pairings like Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic, and Tommy Paul and Jessica Pegula herself. While some fans have expressed excitement over the lineups, others have criticized the lack of specialist doubles players in the event.

Jessica Pegula has expressed mixed feelings about the US Open's revamped mixed doubles event. While she's excited to participate, partnering with American Tommy Paul, she believes organizers need to improve communication with players before making significant format changes. “I'm honoured that they asked me to play. It's going to be great, it's going to be fun and the fans will really enjoy it,” Pegula said at the Cincinnati Open.

Concerns Over Format Changes:

The US Open's decision to revamp the mixed doubles format has been met with criticism from some players, including defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. They described the move as a “profound injustice” to doubles players, arguing that it disrespects an entire category of players. Pegula shares their concerns, emphasizing the need for better communication between organizers and players.

New Format Details:

The event will feature 16 teams, down from 32 last year, with eight entries based on combined singles rankings and eight wild cards.

Matches will adopt a new format with short sets and no-advantage scoring, featuring a 10-point tiebreak instead of a third set.

The prize money has been increased to $1 million for the winning team.

Pegula's Stance:

As a member of the WTA Player Council, Pegula is advocating for more dialogue between organizers and players. She believes that with better communication, they can refine the format to benefit both the sport and its players. Despite the controversy, Pegula is looking forward to the event, which promises to bring in big names and attract new fans to tennis.

The US Open's revamped mixed doubles event has sparked mixed reactions from players. World number four Jessica Pegula believes the event will be “fun” and generate strong spectator interest, but she's critical of the organizers' lack of communication with players before implementing the changes. Pegula will partner with American Tommy Paul in the competition, which features high-profile pairs like Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, and Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro.

Concerns Over Format Changes:

The event's format has been overhauled to feature 16 teams, down from 32 last year, with eight entries based on combined singles rankings and eight wildcards.

Pegula notes that this change could impact doubles players' earnings, as some rely on the event as a source of income.

Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori have described the move as a “profound injustice” to doubles players.

Feeling the love at home 💙

Tommy Paul and Jessica Pegula have entered the US Open Mixed Doubles championships and are ready for the home support! pic.twitter.com/wxKCXBcgML

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) July 8, 2025

Pegula's Comments:

Pegula expressed her concerns about the lack of communication between organizers and players, stating, “At the same time, how they went about it, I didn't think was really great... We were like, okay, you guys went rogue and changed the format and didn't tell anybody. You just did it.” She emphasized the importance of better dialogue between players and organizers, saying, “Did you talk to the players? Did you get their input about how it could be better? That's something that we as players are trying to work with them on, having that line of communication be a lot smoother.

“I feel like maybe if there was feedback about the format, then the (reaction) would be a little different, not so all over the place.”

The US Open's decision to revamp the mixed doubles format has been met with criticism from players and fans, who argue that it devalues the discipline and sidelines specialist doubles players.

“It's not good when you have players saying they're upset that now they can't play, or that it's a way for them to make money and now they don't have that,” Pegula added.

“It's going to be a really fun event, but at the same time, I wish that they would have been communicating with us a little bit better.”