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U.S. Open to add qualifying round for mixed doubles
The U.S. Open will hold an eight-team qualifying competition on Aug. 24 for the last two spots in the 16-team mixed doubles main draw. The change follows criticism that last year's format favored singles players over doubles specialists.
May 29, 6:49 PM·1m read1 source
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The U.S. Open is adding a qualifying round to its mixed doubles tournament. 24, with the winners advancing to the 16-team main draw. The move follows last year's event, when only one traditional doubles team reached the main draw. Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori won the title but needed a wild card despite being defending champions.
Eight teams qualified last year based on combined singles rankings, while the rest received wild cards. The USTA moved the mixed doubles event to the start of the tournament and increased the winner's prize to $1 million. Doubles players said the format functioned more as an exhibition and limited their opportunities.
The first round and quarterfinals of this year's mixed doubles will be played Aug. 25, with the semifinals and final later that week.
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