"Wait..mixed dubs wasn't always an exhibition": Reilly Opelka lambasts authorities for changing mixed doubles event structure at US Open

Reilly Opelka has took a dig at the authorities for restructuring the mixed doubles event at the US Open. The fourth and final Grand Slam of the year in 2025 will have a new format for the mixed doubles competition.

This year, the tournament will feature 16 teams in the mixed doubles, exactly half of what the tournament had last year. That’s not it as the matches will now be organised in three sets with four games each and the tiebreak will be of 10 points. Only the final will consist of three sets where six games will be played between players. That’s not it as the competition will be held during the fan week. The 2024 doubles champion Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, in a post on social media platform Instagram, where they criticised the decision.

"In the last few weeks we received the news that US Open mixed doubles tournament will be completely turned upside down, cancelled and replaced with a pseudo-exhibition focused only on entertainment and show....We see it as a profound injustice, that disrespect an entire category of players...Put money above tennis is never a good idea", said Vavassori and Errani.

In response to that, Opelka commented and shared the sentiment. "Wait..mixed dubs wasn't always an exhibition.” Last year, Errani and Vavassori lifted the title after beating America’s pair of Taylor Townsend and Donald Young in the final with a score of 7-6, 7-5.

Opelka, who was once regarded as one of the most talented players in American tennis, has recently returned to the court after spending a lengthy spell on the sidelines because of fitness concern. The 27-year-old is currently taking part in the Dallas Open where he cemented his place in the second round after beating fellow American Christopher Eubanks in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 7-6.