The US Open still haven’t addressed key issue with the mixed doubles event as more teams are confirmed

Still, the only true doubles specialists allowed to compete, Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani defended their title.

Who is your pick to win the US Open men’s singles title?

They’ve been allowed back in 2026, but the lack of other doubles players in the event proves the key issue with the tournament’s new format remains.

Only one true doubles team have been given a main draw spot for the 2026 US Open mixed doubles event

The second year of the revamped US Open mixed doubles will see several changes, including the introduction of a qualifying tournament.

Two teams will reach the 16-team main draw from an eight-team qualifying draw.

Fans and players complained that doubles specialists weren’t given an opportunity to shine last year, and while they have a better chance this year, there’s no surprise which draw they have been placed in.

US Open mixed doubles qualifying draw

Some of the best doubles players in the world, including the world number ones Henry Patten and Katerina Siniakova, must qualify to reach the main draw.

That’s because the qualifying criteria is based on player’s combined singles rankings, placing the doubles stars at a significant disadvantage.

At a time where the future of doubles is so uncertain, the US Open officials aren’t doing much to promote the players.

A casual fan would be forgiven for thinking those in the main draw are the best doubles players in the world, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud, Flavio Cobolli, and Learner Tien are the six ATP players who received direct entry into the main draw with their partners.

US Open mixed doubles main draw

Between them, they have won one doubles title, Djokovic at Queen’s in 2010.

For the second year running, the majority of the best doubles players will be forced to watch from the sidelines as the singles stars steal their spotlight.

The event attracts a new audience and could well be good for the sport overall, but you can’t help but feel bad for those who have dedicated their lives to the discipline of doubles.

What could the US Open change for 2027?

It wouldn’t take much for those in charge to re-balance the US Open mixed doubles event.

All that’s needed is for them to increase the number of traditional teams that receive wild cards or change how the direct entry spots are awarded.

Surely there must be a system in which the top two or three doubles teams by combined ranking are given direct entry into the main draw, rather than needing to qualify.

Or, if they insist on having the doubles specialists qualify, increase the number of main-draw spots available via qualifying.

It’s not hard to fix, so if we see no progress made in 2027, we’ll know how the US Open really feels about the future of doubles.

The 2026 US Open mixed doubles qualifying event begins on Monday, August 24, before the main draw starts on Tuesday, August 25.