The new, and controversial, US Open mixed doubles event begins this afternoon with big names and star players set to headline the tournament.
Among them are Carlos Alcaraz, fresh from his win at the Cincinnati Open, and British No. 1 Emma Raducanu who will partner each other over the two days of the competition.
But Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the event, as he had been expected to after the World No. 1 pulled out of the Cincinnati final through illness partway through the opening set with Alcaraz leading 5-0. Sinner is fully focused on recovering in time for the US Open singles.
The new-look mixed doubles in New York will be staged on the two biggest courts – Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong – over Tuesday 19 August and Wednesday 20 August with the $1m on offer for the champion prize. The revamped format, and its disregard for doubles specialists, has proved controversial, however.
The top-seeded pair features British No 1 Jack Draper alongside Jessica Pegula, who face Alcaraz and Raducanu in the round-of-16. Follow all the latest updates from the US Open with our live blog below:
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US Open live
- The controversial US Open mixed doubles event begins today
- Jannik Sinner withdraws after pulling out of Cincinnati Open final with illness
- Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu headline two-day event
- Stars due to face Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula in round of 16
- Why is revamped US Open mixed doubles so controversial?
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Errani/Vavassori 4-2 4-2 Rybakina/Fritz
16:56
,
Jamie Braidwood
The defending champions go marching on! A big win for the Italian doubles partners Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who dump out Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina. They were certainly playing with some heat, and one suspects they were playing for all the doubles players who have been excluded form this revamped competition.
They were excellent, and fly through to the quarter-finals in just over 40 minutes. Huge celebrations and a butt of the heads between the pair as Vavassori lands a smash. 4-2 4-2.
Statement made
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 19, 2025
2024 champions Errani/Vavassori take out Fritz/Rybakina 4-2 4-2 and are the first team through to the quarterfinals! pic.twitter.com/fVbGsFn4xM
Errani and Vavassori move one game away
16:53
,
Jamie Braidwood
Stirring stuff from Errani and Vavassori as they bring up three break points with a brilliantly constructed points against the Fritz serve. The American saves three in a row behind serve, with two aces, but Rybakina then frames a volley at the net!
Errani and Vavassori will serve for the match next, with Vavassori to serve.
FIRST SET! Errani and Vavassori strike first!
16:34
,
Jamie Braidwood
We have our first completed set in the US Open mixed doubles - a reminder that the format is best-of-three sets to four games - and it goes the way of the defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. The Italian pair convert the only break to lead Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina, the scoreline 4-2 in the first set.
The defending champions and doubles specialist are playing with a point to prove.
Coming out swinging
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 19, 2025
Errani/Vavassori take the first set 4-2 off Fritz/Rybakina! pic.twitter.com/77M9gy7a1n
US Open mixed doubles
16:28
,
Jamie Braidwood
Brilliant early point in the Musetti/McNally vs Monfils/Osaka match! Osaka first with the big forehand down the line, defended well by Musetti at the back of the court. Eventually, Monfils was able to put the overhead away.
US Open mixed doubles
16:25
,
Jamie Braidwood
Some interesting observations from the match of Arthur Ashe early on, including Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti serving faster balls at Gael Monfils than Naomi Osaka. The Olympic bronze medalist took almost 50mph off his serve when serving to Osaka.
And the doubles specialist in this match, Caty McNally, is being the most decisive player at the net. A few misses so far from the American, but the movement and sense of where to be in position is clearly way ahead of the other three, who are far more accustomed to singles.
An update from Jannik Sinner after pulling out of US Open mixed doubles
16:12
,
Jamie Braidwood
A post from Jannik Sinner confirming that he is looking forward to resting “for a couple of days” after pulling out of the US Open mixed doubles before “getting back to work”.
Yesterday I didn’t feel great and I’m really sorry to disappoint you. Thank you so much to everyone supporting me on-site and from home, your support means the world ❤️ Congrats to @carlosalcaraz and his team, you’re having an incredible season and I wish you all the best for… pic.twitter.com/hBxvHixEsH
— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) August 19, 2025
Players on court ahead of start of US Open mixed doubles
16:08
,
Jamie Braidwood
To be fair, for all the critics that the new US Open mixed double event has had, there are plenty of fans in the Arthur Ashe Arena for the start of play. Perhaps a lot of fans who wouldn’t get the chance to take in the US Open during the fortnight, too.
It’s not sold-out, are there are some more empty seats on Louis Armstrong, but a decent turnout.
US Open mixed doubles getting underway soon
15:57
,
Jamie Braidwood
So the first couple of matches of the new-look US Open mixed doubles are about to begin. On Arthur Ashe, we have former US Open singles champion Naomi Osaka partnering the entertaining and ever popular Gael Monfils, who stepped in to replace Nick Kyrgios. They are in action against Caty McNally and Lorenzo Musetti.
But the match to look out for is the one involving the doubles specialists and defending US Open mixed champions, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who are up against singles players in Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina.
Errani and Vavassori were very outspoken in their criticism of the new event - so this is something of a grudge match for them.
Matches coming up:
Naomi Osaka/Gael Monfils vs Caty McNally/Lorenzo Musetti
Sara Errani/Andrea Vavassori vs Elena Rybakina/Taylor Fritz (2)
All-American pair replace Sinner and Siniakova
15:46
,
Flo Clifford
Sinner and Siniakova’s place in the mixed doubles draw has been confirmed in double-quick time: the all-American pair of Danielle Collins, a former top-10 player, and the 17th-ranked men’s doubles player Christian Harrison have taken their spot.
Full US Open mixed doubles draw
15:43
,
Flo Clifford
Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal means a different team entirely will play Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev later today.
British No 1 Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula are the top seeds in New York, anchoring the top half of the draw, with former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and last year’s US Open singles semi-finalist Taylor Fritz the second seeds, in the opposite half.
Fresh from her triumph in Cincinnati, Iga Swiatek is still set to play this week and partners Casper Ruud; the pair are the third seeds. Amanda Anismova and Holger Rune completed the seeded pairings.
The US Open Mixed Doubles Championship draw is set! pic.twitter.com/FntRmId9R0
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 17, 2025
Jannik Sinner withdraws from mixed doubles
15:26
,
Flo Clifford
It’s official: Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the mixed doubles tournament this week.
The US Open stated: “The team of Jannik Sinner and Katerina Siniakova has withdrawn from the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship presented by Vital Proteins.
“Their place in the draw will be filled by an alternate team with the highest combined singles ranking that signs in by 10:30 a.m. today, with priority to those that had been entered by the initial July 28 deadline.”
How can I watch the US Open mixed doubles?
15:15
,
Flo Clifford
Viewers in the UK can watch the mixed doubles at the US Open live on Sky Sports Tennis.
The event is being streamed on ESPN in the United States.
Play gets underway at 11am local time on the two main show courts, 4pm BST.
What is today's order of play?
14:55
,
Flo Clifford
LOUIS ARMSTRONG STADIUM - 4pm BST start (11am local)
Sara Errani/Andrea Vavassori vs Elena Rybakina/Taylor Fritz (2)
Venus Williams/Reilly Opelka vs Karolina Muchova/Andrey Rublev
R2: TBC
Not before 6:30pm BST
Taylor Townsend/Ben Shelton vs Amanda Anisimova/Holger Rune (4)
Katerina Siniakova/Jannik Sinner* vs Belinda Bencic/Alexander Zverev
R2 TBC
*Jannik Sinner is likely to withdraw with illness
What is today's order of play?
14:35
,
Flo Clifford
ARTHUR ASHE STADIUM - 4pm BST start (11am local)
Naomi Osaka/Gael Monfils vs Caty McNally/Lorenzo Musetti
Not before 5pm BST
Iga Swiatek/Casper Ruud (3) vs Madison Keys/Frances Tiafoe
R2: TBC
Not before 7pm BST
Jessica Pegula/Jack Draper (1) vs Emma Raducanu/Carlos Alcaraz
Olga Danilovic/Novak Djokovic vs Mirra Andreeva/Daniil Medvedev
R2: TBC
Will Jannik Sinner play?
14:12
,
Flo Clifford
After his withdrawal with illness from Monday’s Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz, it looks likely that world No 1 Jannik Sinner will withdraw from the mixed doubles event.
He had been slated to team up with 10-time women’s doubles major champion Katerina Siniakova, but the US Open official draw page now has a blank pairing where the two should be, against Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev.
The US Open official X account has also just posted a cryptic statement: “Find your partner, we're mixing it up today”.
What is the format of the new-look US Open mixed doubles?
13:55
,
Jamie Braidwood
Sixteen pairs will compete in the event, resulting in four rounds of competition.
The scoring system, until the final, will be best-of-three sets played to four games with sudden death deuce and a tie-break at 4-4, with a 10-point tiebreak instead of the third set if necessary.
The final will be the same, but with normal six-game sets instead.
What time does the new US Open mixed doubles event start?
13:35
,
Jamie Braidwood
The mixed doubles event takes place on Tuesday 19 August and Wednesday 20 August on the two biggest show courts at Flushing Meadows, Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong.
Matches start at 11am local time, that’s 4pm BST. Alcaraz and Raducanu’s match against Draper and Pegula is scheduled third on Arthur Ashe on Tuesday, around 2pm local time - 7pm BST.
Jannik Sinner drops big clue around potential involvement in US Open mixed doubles
13:15
,
Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner did not hold a press conference after last night’s Cincinnati Open final, but he did provide some quotes that were released by the ATP.
He was not specifically asked whether he would skip the US Open mixed doubles after pulling out of the Cincinnati Open final with illness, but the 24-year-old did say that he now has “a couple of days of recovery" before the start of his US Open singles defence latest this week.
"I love Grand Slams a lot. This is the main, main tournaments for my season and for my career," Sinner said.
"So US Open is going to be tough tournament, but in the same time, I'm looking forward to it. If I'm ready, physically and mentally, I will be ready to push.
“So as I said, now a couple of days of recovery, and then we get again back to work, and hopefully we'll be ready. So for sure, the main goal here in the US."
Novak Djokovic arrives in New York ahead of US Open mixed doubles
12:55
,
Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic arrived in New York on Monday evening ahead of his latest bid at winning his 25th grand slam singles title.
First, the 38-year-old will partner Serbian compatriot Olga Danilovic in today’s revamped US Open mixed doubles.
They will take on the Russian pair of Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev, who Djokovic defeated to win the 2023 US Open final.
That was his last grand slam title, with the next seven won by either Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner.
Novak New York@DjokerNole arrives at the US Open. pic.twitter.com/sfqW3pppo3
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 18, 2025
Jannik Sinner apologises to crowd after Cincinnati Open final retirement
12:35
,
Jamie Braidwood
“Usually I start with the opponent but today I have to start with you guys [the crowd]. I’m super super sorry to disappoint you. From yesterday I didn’t feel great. I thought I would improve during the night. It came up worse.
“I tried to come out and make it at least a small match but I couldn’t handle more. I’m very very sorry for all of you. I know some of you on Monday maybe had to work or do something else, so I’m very very sorry.
“Of course Carlos congrats. Another title. Not the way you wanted to win but it’s amazing what kind of season you’re producing. You and your whole team are doing amazing. Keep it up. I wish you only all the best for the U.S. Open and the rest of the season.”
"I thought that I would improve during the night." @janniksin talks through his difficult moments before the final. #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/RxiUR2cYG2
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 18, 2025
What happened in the Cincinnati Open final?
12:15
,
Jamie Braidwood
- There was a lot of anticipation ahead of the final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner after their clashes in the finals of the French Open and Wimbledon this summer
- But Sinner looked out of sorts from the start on what was a hot afternoon in Ohio, with the final starting at 3pm local time under intense sun
- Alcaraz raced into an early lead, breaking Sinner’s serve twice as the World No 1 struggled with his movement and the timing of his groundstrokes
- After losing his serve for the third time, and trailing Alcaraz 5-0 in the first set, Sinner called the trainer and then retired from the match, saying he was “sorry for the fans”.
- Sinner confirmed during the trophy ceremony that he had started feeling ill the day before, with his condition worsening on the day of the final
- The Italian is now a major doubt to play in the new-look US Open mixed doubles tournament, which begins later, but he should be fine to start his US Open title defence later this week
Iga Swiatek provides US Open mixed doubles update after Cincinnati victory
11:55
,
Kieran Jackson
Iga Swiatek has confirmed her participation in today’s US Open mixed doubles event despite a rapid turnaround from her victory at the Cincinnati Open on Monday night.
Swiatek confirmed via social media that she will compete alongside Casper Ruud in New York on Tuesday in the revamped mixed doubles event, despite a quick turnaround.
“Made it,” she said, as she touched down in New York. “See you on the court, Casper Ruud.”
US Open mixed doubles draw
11:35
,
Jamie Braidwood
The full 16-team field was decided by the top-8 singles rankings combined, and eight wildcard picks.
The draw is as follows:
Jessica Pegula/Jack Draper (1) vs Emma Raducanu/Carlos Alcaraz
Olga Danilovic/Novak Djokovic vs Mirra Andreeva/Daniil Medvedev
Iga Swiatek/Casper Ruud (3) vs Madison Keys/Frances Tiafoe
Naomi Osaka/Gael Monfils vs Caty McNally/Lorenzo Musetti
Katerina Siniakova/Jannik Sinner* vs Belinda Bencic/Alexander Zverev
Taylor Townsend/Ben Shelton vs Amanda Anisimova/Holger Rune (4)
Venus Williams/Reilly Opelka vs Karolina Muchova/Andrey Rublev
Sara Errani/Andrea Vavassori vs Elena Rybakina/Taylor Fritz (2)
*Jannik Sinner is expected to withdraw
US Open mixed doubles order of play: Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu start time
11:15
,
Kieran Jackson
The new-look US Open mixed doubles event starts on Tuesday, with Carlos Alcaraz set to feature alongside Emma Raducanu amongst a star-studded list of pairs.
New for 2025, the mixed doubles in New York will be staged on the two biggest courts – Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong – over Tuesday 19 August and Wednesday 20 August.
As well as five-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz and 2021 US Open champion Raducanu, a host of other top names are competing alongside one another for the $1m champion prize - an increase of $800,000 from 2024.
US Open mixed doubles champions lead criticism of revamped event
10:55
,
Jamie Braidwood
Last year’s US Open mixed doubles champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori labelled the revamped competition as a "profound injustice" following the announcement of the new format in February.
Errani went further in an interview with the Associated Press before the tournament, calling the changes to the mixed doubles event “nonsense” and “sad”.
Errani and Vavassori will start to defend their title when they take on Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina, two singles stars, in their first-round match later this afternoon.
Errani argued: "It would be like if, at the Olympics, they didn't let the actual high jumpers participate, and instead had basketball players compete in the high jump because it's more 'interesting.'
"You can't have a Grand Slam doubles (trophy) and not let doubles players take part. ... You're excluding them from their sport. It's dishonest."
Why is revamped US Open mixed doubles so controversial?
10:35
,
Jamie Braidwood
It has attracted some of the top singles players in the world and will offer $1m to the winning pair - but not everyone is happy with the new-look US Open mixed doubles tournament, particularly the doubles specialists who have been forced to make way for the star teams.
Kieran Jackson explains.
Carlos Alcaraz confirms he plans to play US Open mixed doubles but will 'sleep late'
10:15
,
Jamie Braidwood
Carlos Alcaraz was clearly not happy with the scheduling of the Cincinnati Open final and the start of the US Open mixed doubles, but confirmed he will be ready to partner Emma Raducanu in their opening match today.
The Spaniard said he is “going to sleep late” today but “I'll try to put my best tennis to help Emma get the win”.
Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz share plane to New York ahead of mixed doubles
09:55
,
Jamie Braidwood
Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz, the Cincinnati Open champions, shared a plane to New York on Monday evening ahead of the start of the US Open doubles tournament later today.
In a video posted by the Cincinnati Open, Swiatek and Alcaraz thanked the tournament organisers as they prepared to take off and make the short journey to New York. It did not appear as if Jannik Sinner was with them.
Iga Swiatek sends ominous message to US Open rivals after securing Cincinnati title
09:35
,
Jamie Braidwood
Iga Swiatek underlined her status as potentially the favourite going into the US Open after defeating Jasmine Paolini to win the Cincinnati Open women’s title last night.
The Wimbledon champion intends to play in the US Open mixed doubles despite having an even shorter turnaround time than Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, with the women’s final taking place after the men’s in Cincinnati yesterday.
Jannik Sinner drops big clue around potential involvement in US Open mixed doubles
09:18
,
Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner was not specifically asked whether he would skip the US Open mixed doubles after pulling out of the Cincinnati Open final with illness, but the 24-year-old did say that he now “a couple of days of recovery" before the start of his US Open singles defence latest this week.
"I love Grand Slams a lot. This is the main, main tournaments for my season and for my career," Sinner said.
"So US Open is going to be tough tournament, but in the same time, I'm looking forward to it. If I'm ready, physically and mentally, I will be ready to push.
“So as I said, now a couple of days of recovery, and then we get again back to work, and hopefully we'll be ready. So for sure, the main goal here in the US."
Jannik Sinner provides concerning update after sudden Cincinnati Open final retirement
09:13
,
Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner’s preparations for his US Open defence have been disrupted by illness after the World No 1 was forced to retire from his Cincinnati Open final against young rival Carlos Alcaraz, lasting just five games.
Sinner was clearly out of sorts on a hot day in Ohio and lost his serve three times before pulling out from the match. The 24-year-old apologised to the crowd and confirmed he started feeling ill the day before, with his condition worsening on the day of the final.
Alcaraz sends message to Sinner on social media
09:11
,
Mike Jones
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have a budding rivalry and yesterday’s Cincinnati Open final was set to be the latest in a series of epic encounters between the two.
That was not to be and Alcaraz sent a message to Sinner on X after his withdrawal.
It read: “I’m so sorry for Jannik!
“Nobody likes to win because their opponent retires, especially in a final like this. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
“Very happy with my week in Cincinnati and feeling ready for the US Open!”
Sinner expected to withdraw from US Open mixed doubles
09:08
,
Mike Jones
The main news this morning concerns men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
He faced Carlos Alcaraz in the Cincinnati Open final yesterday and had to withdraw with the opening set 5-0 in Alcaraz’s favour due to illness.
He knew he wasn’t feeling good before the match but wanted to attempt to play before realising he could not compete in such a state.
Sinner is scheduled on court later today alongside partner Katerina Siniakova but is seems likely he will pull out of the mixed doubles as well.
Good morning!
09:01
,
Mike Jones
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the US Open where we begin with the controversial mixed doubles event set to precede the Grand Slam and be played over the next couple of days.
Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz partner each other in a blockbuster pairing with Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula are the No.1 seeds.
Jannik Sinner is scheduled to feature alongside Katerina Siniakova but this event comes less than 24 hours after he withdrew from the Cincinnati Open final with illness and it is doubtful he will have recovered in time.
We’ll have all the latest news and build-up throughout the day ahead of the event kicking off around 4pm BST this afternoon.