US Open 2026 results: Jakub Mensik and Karolina Muchova win mixed doubles title

This reimagined version of mixed doubles will never be to the liking of those who struggle with the concept that a Grand Slam title can be decided in under 48 hours.

But there is no question it now commands more attention from a global audience.

Instead of the mixed doubles primarily being an event for grounds pass holders, the semi-finals and final were played under the lights in the night session, ensuring a much bigger television audience.

Even with the introduction of a qualifying competition this year, specialist doubles players still have limited opportunities in an event now built around the singles stars.

But those who do make it into the draw are competing for a prize that is five times what is was under the old format.

And the prize pot for the men’s and women’s doubles – still very much the preserve of the specialists – has also jumped significantly to match what is on offer in the mixed doubles.

Singles players enjoy the format and the chance for an early feel of the show courts, but the tournament will never be a priority for them.

Iga Swiatek, Frances Tiafoe and Daniil Medvedev all pulled out shortly beforehand – the first two as they needed rest after a successful spell on tour, and the latter as he felt he needed more matches before the US Open.

But if the United States Tennis Association can attract pairs of the calibre of Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz, as well as Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, they will consider it a success.

The mixed doubles is just one part of an ever-expanding ‘Fan Week’ at the US Open.

Roger Federer featured in an exhibition with Andre Agassi, John McEnroe and Andy Roddick on Tuesday, with Amanda Anisimova and Alexandra Eala among the cast for the ‘Stars of the Open’ on Thursday evening.

And all this after The Lumineers officially kicked off the US Open with a gig inside the Louis Armstrong Stadium last Friday night.

That is a full nine days before the main draw actually gets under way.