The US Open’s revamped mixed doubles event drops right as the drama at the Cincinnati Open heats up, and the timing has plenty of people scratching their heads. With some of the sport’s biggest names trying to juggle both tournaments, fans are critical of the hectic scheduling of high-stakes events.
Why Are Fans Upset About the US Open Mixed Doubles Timing?
After the draw for the event was released, fans immediately sounded off about the rough timing for players still battling in Cincinnati. Iga Świątek, who’s gearing up to face Jasmine Paolini for the Cincinnati title, is supposed to hit the US Open mixed doubles courts with Casper Ruud the very next day.
Paolini backed out of the US Open mixed doubles after making the finals in Cincinnati, and it’s no surprise that the schedule put her out.
Meanwhile, Świątek’s supporters are calling out the tournament’s decision. As one fan put it, “Iga’s match could realistically end TOMORROW around 8:00 PM. How the hell do yall expect her to celebrate (she’s gonna win), sleep, pack, & be in NYC READY TO PLAY at 12:00 Tuesday.”
Iga’s match could realistically end TOMORROW around 8:00 PM. How the hell do yall expect her to celebrate (she’s gonna win), sleep, pack, & be in NYC READY TO PLAY at 12:00 Tuesday https://t.co/XnX0mYlXoB
— Alexa (@amezaing_) August 18, 2025
Another concerned fan chimed in with, “Paolini backed out due to making the Cincinnati finals? And how will Iga make it in time? She will be going on literally no sleep! Have a heart! Give her a later match!”
Paolini backed out due to making the Cincinnati finals? And how will Iga make it in time? She will be going on literally no sleep! Have a heart! Give her a later match!
— Scott (@worldchmps) August 18, 2025
The confusion hasn’t let up. A fan asked, “Are they trying to make sure these people don’t play? What is this?”
Like are they trying to make sure these people don’t play? What is this https://t.co/HRjYpOKyE0
— N🇵🇸 (@nakad21) August 18, 2025
One user called out the US Open directly, highlighting the turnaround time: “You crazy making Iga play at that hour right after final at cincy?”
You crazy making Iga play at that hour right after final at cincy? 🤦 https://t.co/5NsVLJm4SM
— C ᥫ᭡ (@cpsjusuf) August 18, 2025
“Cincy final at 6 pm and Mixed R1 at 12 am?” another fan pointed out.
Cincy final at 6 pm and Mixed R1 at 12 am??? Wtf!! https://t.co/YW1DAoGSEA
— #269, signing off. (@johannesburg119) August 18, 2025
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have their own schedules to juggle, competing for the men’s title in Cincinnati before heading to New York for mixed doubles. Their Cincinnati matches are set for earlier slots than Świątek’s showdown.
“Brutal for Iga, last on in Cincy and 2nd on in NY. Carlos is 4th on and Jannik is 5th on, and they play earlier than Iga in Cincy,” another fan wrote, highlighting the scheduling challenges.
Brutal for Iga, last on in Cincy and 2nd on in NY. Carlos is 4th on and Jannik is 5th on, and they play earlier than Iga in Cincy.
— Megan Fernandez (@MeganFernandez7) August 18, 2025
Even doubles specialist Nicole Melichar-Martinez joined in: “Really wondering how they expect the 4 finalists from Cincy to compete the next day in the mixed doubles.”
What Is Driving Controversy Around the US Open 2025 Mixed Doubles Format?
The US Open switched things up this year, slimming the mixed doubles draw to 16 teams, with eight making it in thanks to combined singles rankings and the rest grabbing wildcards.
Players, especially those who focus on doubles, haven’t been quiet about their frustration. Last year’s mixed doubles champs, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, called the new setup a “profound injustice” and even slammed it as “a pseudo-exhibition focused only on entertainment and show.” After their pointed remarks, the duo landed a wildcard for this year’s event.
Meanwhile, the tournament announced some last-minute changes to its lineup. Jannik Sinner, fresh off his US Open win, will now pair with Czech doubles ace Kateřina Siniaková after Emma Navarro withdrew. Siniaková, known for her success in women’s doubles Grand Slams with 10 titles, joins the Italian at the last moment.
Naomi Osaka was supposed to team up with Nick Kyrgios, but with the Australian stepping away due to schedule and ranking issues, Gaël Monfils will take his spot. Over on another court, Lorenzo Musetti is partnering with Caty McNally after Paolini bowed out.
For now, all eyes are on New York as the best try to navigate a schedule that has everyone talking.
