Emma Raducanu-Carlos Alcaraz granted controversial wildcard at US Open 2025 mixed doubles event

Several top stars from singles division are set to compete at US Open mixed doubles event.

With US Open 2025 just around the corner, the tennis world is buzzing. As part of the build-up, the final Grand Slam event of the year has its mixed doubles draw—with eight pairs receiving direct entry while six teams have been handed wildcard berths. Two more wildcard entries will be announced at a later date, the organisers have revealed.

Among the direct entrants is current men’s World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who has paired up with local star Emma Navarro, while Paula Badosa is set to team up with British No. 1 Jack Draper.

Also Read: Paula Badosa ditches Stefanos Tsitsipas, forms new pair with Jack Draper for US Open mixed doubles

The revamped mixed doubles event in the Flushing Meadows will be held between August 19-20, that is a week before the singles matches start.

In addition, several changes have been made. The mixed doubles championship at the final Grand Slam of the year will feature a faster two-day format during qualifying week. Sets go to four games, with a 4-4 tiebreak, no-ad scoring, and a 10-point match tiebreak instead of a third set. Prize money has increased to $1 million perhaps with intention to attract top singles players.

Nevertheless, this year’s US Open mixed doubles event has stirred up a little controversy ahead of its start apparently due to its entry list. Many of the fans feel it favors celebrity appeal over merit.

Also Read: Why are top singles players competing in US Open 2025 Mixed Doubles event?

Established doubles specialists like Taylor Townsend, Sam Verbeek and Katerina Siniakova were left out, while wildcards were granted to high-profile singles players such as Carlos Alcaraz, Emma Raducanu, Novak Djokovic etc.

Only one of the teams are an established pairing of the event Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who won the tournament last year.

14 teams are IN!Eight teams have received direct entry and six teams have received wild cards to the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship. The final two wild cards will be announced at a later date. pic.twitter.com/mkAteJDQVT

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) July 29, 2025

Infact, the Wimbledon mixed doubles champions Katerina Siniakova and Sam Verbeek are also not mentioned in the direct entry list. However, they might enter through wildcard door prior to the start of the event.

Both players have publicly criticized the tournament’s shift in focus. ‘It’s a shame they decided to do it,” Siniakova told BBC at SW19. “I think it’s a marketing step, but they are taking (away the) chance of doubles players,” said Sam Verbeek.

Also Read: Not Carlos Alcaraz, Emma Raducanu names this Tennis player as the smartest

The move has drawn criticism from both fans and players, who argue that it unfairly sidelines experienced doubles competitors with proven track records and prefers the singles stars like Iga Swiatek, Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul.

In the wildcards, the 45-year-old Venus Williams who recently made a comeback at the Washington Open 2025 is paired with Reilly Opelka.

US Open 2025 Mixed Doubles Teams

Direct Entries

1. Emma Navarro & Jannik Sinner
2. Paula Badosa & Jack Draper
3. Iga Swiatek & Casper Ruud
4. Elena Rybakina & Taylor Fritz
5. Amanda Anisimova & Holger Rune
6. Belinda Bencic & Alexander Zverev
7. Jessica Pegula & Tommy Paul
8. Mirra Andreeva & Daniil Medvedev

Wildcards

1. Madison Keys & Frances Tiafoe
2. Olga Danilovic & Novak Djokovic
3. Emma Raducanu & Carlos Alcaraz
4. Taylor Townsend & Ben Shelton
5. Venus Williams & Reilly Opelka
6. Sara Errani & Andrea Vavassori
7. Team to be announced
8. Team to be announced

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