"It's disrespectful," Henman speaks out on the US Open mixed doubles format

Earlier this week, the new mixed doubles format introduced by the US Open for its 2025 edition took place. After attracting a large number of stars who usually compete in singles, it was ultimately the experienced pair Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori who triumphed, defending their title against Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud this year.

A format that divides and remains highly controversial, even hours after the final. Former world No. 4 Tim Henman reacted to this mixed doubles format, which deprived nearly all the regular pairs from competing.

"Was I excited to see all these players on the court? Absolutely. However, I disagree with the fact that this format is being implemented during a Grand Slam tournament and that it takes place outside the two weeks of the main event.

I think it's disrespectful to the ATP and WTA Tour events that take place the week before the US Open. In my opinion, this shouldn't happen. I would rather have an exhibition. We have Hurlingham or Stoke Park before Wimbledon.

There are rules for exhibitions—that's the key difference. You can't hold exhibitions within a certain proximity to the main Tour events. We're trying to improve collaboration within the sport.

This mixed doubles tournament at the US Open significantly devalues the stakes from the moment the organization completely changes the entry system.

But I understand that in doubles, the product is greatly enhanced if singles players participate. They usually don't do so in the Majors due to the physical demands, so this was a first," Henman told The Telegraph.