Mixed doubles semifinals set for U.S. Open Fan Week finale
The U.S. Open mixed doubles semifinals and final take place tonight, with matches featuring Svitolina-Monfils, Bencic-Cobolli, Muchova-Mensik, and Andreeva-Rublev. No American players advanced to the semifinals, marking the fifth straight year without a U.S. champion in the event. French Open winner Mirra Andreeva is among the contenders in the revamped tournament.
The revamped mixed doubles format, introduced last year to draw marquee singles talent during Fan Week, has produced a semifinal lineup heavy with established stars. Elina Svitolina and Gaël Monfils, a married couple, headline the evening alongside Belinda Bencic, Karolína Muchová, and 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva, who claimed this year's French Open singles title. Andreeva and partner Andrey Rublev eliminated the two-time defending champions in the opening round, with Andreeva crediting Rublev's aggressive play in the decisive tiebreak.
The absence of American semifinalists extends a drought dating to Desirae Krawczyk's 2021 title with Britain's Joe Salisbury. Despite entries from Jessica Pegula, Taylor Fritz, and Taylor Townsend, no U.S. player reached the final four, underscoring the challenge of balancing singles preparation with the Fan Week doubles commitment.
This year's semifinal field could reshape how tennis fans view mixed doubles, traditionally a lower-priority event. The absence of American contenders may dampen domestic viewership for tonight's matches, yet the presence of internationally recognized singles stars like Andreeva and Monfils could broaden the event's global appeal. The format's success in attracting top players may influence how other Grand Slams structure their doubles competitions, potentially affecting scheduling and prize distribution for players and audiences alike.