"I get why they're upset" - Taylor Fritz empathizes with fans and doubles players over format change at US Open mixed doubles event

Several fans and even doubles specialists in the tennis community have expressed their dislike for the new format that will be implemented at the 2025 US Open. American tennis star Taylor Fritz has voiced his support for the new changes, but added he understands their frustrations.

The US Open will be the first Grand Slam event to adopt a new format for the mixed doubles tournament. The event will take place one week before the singles draw, with the team size decreasing from 32 to 16. Furthermore, top-ranked singles players will be granted entry to the event, should they decide to participate.

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New format receives backlash from fans

The news was poorly received by fans and doubles players, who believe the system was changed in order to make more money using the singles stars as attractions. Fritz had previously suggested he would participate at the event, joining the likes of Aussie star Alex de Minaur and Greek ace Stefanos Tsitsipas. However, the top-ranked American added he understood why certain people were against the idea.

“I think [doubles players] have a right to be upset, be angry,” he told Sports Illustrated. “I think that’s the first thing I thought when I saw the mixed doubles thing. It’s like, O.K., now they’re finally going to put a lot of prize money into it.
"But doubles players aren’t going to get the opportunity to play. So, I get their side of it. But I think you also have to look at the side of the tournaments, a business side of things. We’ll get the proof, I guess, at the U.S. Open.
“If the turnout for the mixed doubles event with the top singles players in it is much, much better and maybe in the tournament it feels like they’re profiting off of it more than [before], I don’t think you can argue with it from a business side of things. But obviously, a traditional side of things, like I get, what the doubles players [are saying]. I get why they’re upset."

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