LONDON — British tennis star Emma Raducanu has called for Wimbledon to adopt an innovative mixed doubles format pioneered by the US Open, suggesting that a showcase event featuring the sport's biggest singles stars could be a major draw for fans and a significant boost for the mixed discipline.
Speaking ahead of the 2024 Championships, Raducanu expressed her admiration for the US Open's "Mixed Doubles Madness" event, a one-night, single-elimination tournament held during the second week of the New York major. The format is designed to attract top-tier singles players who might not otherwise commit to the full two-week mixed doubles schedule.
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, stated, "I think it's a great initiative. The US Open has done something really innovative with their one-night mixed doubles event. It's exciting for the fans and it's a way to get the top players involved without a huge commitment. I'd love to see Wimbledon try something similar."
The US Open's "Mixed Doubles Madness" Model
The US Open's innovative event, first introduced in 2023, is a radical departure from traditional mixed doubles. It is a single-elimination bracket played entirely in one session inside the bustling Louis Armstrong Stadium. The fast-paced, high-energy environment, complete with a shot clock and enthusiastic crowd involvement, has proven to be a hit.
Key features of the model that Raducanu wants Wimbledon to consider include:
- A condensed, single-evening format that fits into the busy second week of a major.
- An attractive, guaranteed financial incentive for participants to ensure top players sign up.
- A dedicated court and session, creating a festival-like atmosphere focused solely on mixed doubles.
The inaugural event was won by Americans Jessica Pegula and Austin Krajicek, who defeated fellow top singles players Ben Shelton and Taylor Townsend. The success demonstrated that when the scheduling barrier is removed, elite singles competitors are willing and eager to participate.
The Current State of Mixed Doubles at The Slams
Traditionally, mixed doubles at Grand Slams has been dominated by dedicated doubles specialists. While the draws are always competitive and feature incredible skill, they often lack the star power of the singles draws, as top-ranked singles players frequently skip the event to conserve energy for their primary competition.
This is particularly true at Wimbledon, where the grass court surface is physically demanding. The prospect of playing best-of-three-set matches across potentially seven rounds of singles, plus men's or women's doubles, often deters singles stars from adding another event to their workload, despite the history and prestige of the Wimbledon mixed title.
Raducanu pointed out this exact conflict, noting, "The calendar is so packed, and the singles is so physical, especially here on grass. It's a big ask to play another full tournament. But a one-night event? That's manageable, and it would be so much fun for everyone involved."
Potential Benefits for Wimbledon and Tennis
Raducanu's proposal is not just about player convenience; it's a vision for elevating the profile of mixed doubles and creating a unique product for spectators. A Wimbledon version could be staged on the middle Sunday or the second Monday, traditionally lighter days in the singles schedule, providing a marquee attraction.
The potential benefits are multifaceted:
- Increased Fan Engagement: A event featuring hypothetical pairings like Raducanu and Andy Murray, or Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff, would generate massive ticket sales and global television viewership.
- Revitalizing the Discipline: It would bring fresh attention and prestige to mixed doubles, inspiring a new generation of players.
- Player Crossover: It encourages camaraderie and cross-pollination between the singles and doubles tours, strengthening the tennis community.
Furthermore, the All England Club is no stranger to innovation, having introduced tie-breaks in the final set and implementing a Middle Sunday of play in recent years. A special mixed doubles event would be in keeping with Wimbledon's history of thoughtfully evolving its traditions.
Logistical Hurdles and Tradition Considerations
Implementing such a change at Wimbledon would not be without its challenges. The tournament's schedule is famously precise, and finding the right time slot without disrupting the revered traditions of the Championships would require careful planning. The grass court conditions also need to be preserved for the latter stages of the singles events.
There would also be questions about the format's integration with the traditional mixed doubles competition. Would it be a separate, exhibition-style event, or could it serve as the final rounds of the main draw? Raducanu acknowledged these complexities but believes they are not insurmountable. "The All England Club are brilliant organizers. I'm sure if they wanted to make it work, they could find a way," she said.
A Growing Chorus for Innovation
Raducanu is not alone in her thinking. Other players on tour have voiced their support for the US Open's initiative, and tennis pundits have praised it as a fan-friendly success. The model presents a compelling solution to the long-standing issue of how to integrate the sport's biggest names into the doubles arena without compromising their singles ambitions.
The appeal for fans is undeniable. The mixed game offers a different, often more tactical and entertaining style of tennis, with net play and chemistry between partners taking center stage. Seeing how the games of the world's best singles players adapt to the nuances of doubles would be a fascinating spectacle.
Conclusion: A Serve to the AELTC
Emma Raducanu's public endorsement of this concept is a significant serve across the net to the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC). As a homegrown star and Grand Slam champion, her opinion carries considerable weight. Her comments have successfully placed the idea on the table for discussion.
While Wimbledon is rightfully proud of its history, the tournament has also shown a willingness to adapt. Raducanu's vision is not about replacing tradition but about enhancing the fan and player experience with a modern, exciting addition. "It would be incredible for the fans," she reiterated.
Whether the AELTC will seriously consider following Flushing Meadows' lead remains to be seen. But with a prominent player like Raducanu championing the cause, the prospect of seeing tennis's superstars team up for a night of thrilling mixed doubles on Wimbledon's hallowed grass has suddenly become a very real and tantalizing possibility.