US Open Mixed Doubles: Who Enters, How It Works — and Who Will Win

The US Open mixed doubles is compact, unpredictable and often more revealing about partnerships than raw talent. The draw brings together 32 pairs over the final week at Flushing Meadows, where experience, chemistry and timing often trump headline names.

Entrants are a blend of doubles specialists, occasional singles stars and local wild cards; seedings are set by combined doubles rankings and organisers hand out wild cards for crowd appeal. Expect names familiar to doubles circuits — veterans comfortable at the net — to pair with big-serving singles players seeking a slice of silverware.

The format is straightforward: best-of-three sets with a standard 7-point tiebreak at 6-6, and a 10-point match tiebreak (win by two) played instead of a full third set. There are no byes in the 32-pair draw, matches are tightly scheduled across Arthur Ashe and the outer courts, and while prize money is real, mixed doubles has minimal impact on ATP/WTA rankings.

When The Guru watches the mixed draw he looks for cohesion, not celebrity — a seasoned doubles lefty with a steady volley and a fearless returner will beat a flashier pair more often than not. My recommendation: back experienced doubles teams with proven mixed success; the title will not be won by raw power alone, and the smart money is on a specialist pairing to lift the trophy.