Nick Kyrgios has stirred conversations in the tennis world with his recent suggestion to introduce mixed doubles into Masters 1000 events. He sees this change as an opportunity to bring fans closer to their favorite male and female players, showcasing a unique level of collaboration rarely seen in other sports. The Australian made his comments during a recent episode of The AO Show podcast.
Kyrgios’ Vision for Mixed Doubles
Kyrgios suggested replacing men’s and women’s doubles with mixed doubles at Masters 1000 tournaments. He emphasized how such a format could create engaging matchups and expand the sport’s appeal:
“In what other sport can you get your favorite female athlete and your favorite male athlete competing on the same side of the net for good prize money?”
The Australian added that mixed doubles at such a high-profile level could increase fan interest and diversity in competition. He expressed his own enthusiasm for partnering with iconic players like Venus Williams, Serena Williams, and Ashleigh Barty, praising Barty in particular for her exceptional talent.
Kyrgios’ Experience in Mixed Doubles
Kyrgios is no stranger to the mixed doubles format, having teamed up with Serena Williams during the 2014 International Premier Tennis League and partnering with Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2021. His familiarity with the format and its dynamics gives credibility to his proposal.
Proposed Changes to Grand Slam Formats
Kyrgios also advocated for adjusting the format of men’s singles matches at Grand Slam tournaments. He proposed making them best-of-three sets until the quarterfinals to address scheduling challenges and reduce player fatigue:
“Men’s matches finishing till 2-3 AM, it’s just not sustainable. Best of three until the quarterfinals would save effort on scheduling and allow lower-ranked players to break through.”
He believes the best-of-five format could still remain in place for the later stages of the tournament to preserve tradition and ensure top players ultimately triumph.
Kyrgios’ Return to Tennis
After an extended hiatus due to injuries and surgeries, Kyrgios is set to return to competitive action at the 2025 Brisbane International. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his bold ideas and playing style might influence tennis moving forward.
Broader Implications
While Kyrgios’ suggestions might be polarizing, they align with ongoing discussions about evolving the sport to appeal to younger audiences, streamline events, and create opportunities for more diverse player success. If adopted, these changes could mark a transformative era for tennis.
