Sport
US Open Mixed Doubles Final Draws Record Television Audience
JA
Jack Turner
1 day ago
The 2026 US Open mixed doubles final has become the most-watched tennis match in American television history, according to overnight ratings released by ESPN on Monday. The late-night thriller, which saw the unseeded pairing of Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton defeat the top-seeded duo of Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner in a third-set tiebreak, averaged 8.2 million viewers across ESPN and ESPN2, peaking at 11.4 million during the final game. The previous record for a tennis telecast in the United States was the 2012 men's final between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, which drew 7.9 million viewers.The match, which began at 10:45 p.m. Eastern Time and stretched past 1 a.m., was the latest start in US Open history for a final. The late slot was initially criticized by traditionalists, but the ratings suggest that the decision to schedule the mixed doubles final as the nightcap of the tournament's final Saturday was a masterstroke. The dramatic conclusion, which featured a 12-10 tiebreak in the deciding set and a controversial line call that was overturned by video review, kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Social media exploded with reactions, and the hashtag #USOpenMixedDoubles trended worldwide for over six hours.The record-breaking audience is a significant milestone for tennis, a sport that has struggled to compete with the NFL, NBA, and college football for American television viewers. The US Open has been experimenting with prime-time scheduling for doubles and mixed doubles events in recent years, hoping to capitalize on the star power of singles players who occasionally compete in doubles. The 2026 final featured four of the top ten singles players in the world, a rarity in mixed doubles, which is often seen as a secondary event. Gauff and Shelton, both American, brought a home-crowd advantage, while Sabalenka and Sinner, the world No. 1 and No. 2 in singles, added international star appeal.The ratings bonanza is likely to have a lasting impact on how tennis tournaments are broadcast. The USTA, which owns and operates the US Open, has been in negotiations with ESPN for a new television contract, and the record numbers give the federation significant leverage. Industry analysts suggest that the success of the mixed doubles final could lead to more prime-time slots for doubles events at all four Grand Slams, and could even prompt the ATP and WTA tours to reconsider their own scheduling. "This is a game-changer," said media consultant Sarah Johnson. "Tennis has been looking for a way to attract younger viewers and casual fans, and this match proved that compelling storylines and star power can trump traditional time slots."The match itself was a showcase of the evolving nature of doubles tennis, which has become increasingly popular among top singles players. Gauff and Shelton, both known for their powerful serves and athleticism, used their aggressive baseline play to dominate the early going. Sabalenka and Sinner, however, fought back with their own brand of power tennis, and the final set was a tense affair that could have gone either way. The deciding tiebreak was a microcosm of the entire match, with both teams saving multiple match points before Gauff and Shelton finally clinched the title on a Shelton ace.The record ratings are also a testament to the growing appeal of mixed doubles as a format. Traditionally seen as a lighthearted exhibition, mixed doubles has gained credibility in recent years, thanks in part to the success of the ATP and WTA's joint events. The 2026 US Open final was the first mixed doubles match to be broadcast in prime time on a major network, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. "This is what we've been working toward," said USTA President Martin Blackman. "We wanted to create a marquee event that would capture the imagination of the public, and we did."Looking ahead, the success of the mixed doubles final is likely to influence not only television scheduling but also player participation. With the potential for increased prize money and exposure, more top singles players may be tempted to enter mixed doubles events at the Grand Slams. The 2026 final had a prize purse of $1 million per team, a significant increase from previous years, and the USTA has already announced that the 2027 mixed doubles final will be held in prime time again. The record ratings have also sparked discussions about the possibility of a standalone mixed doubles tour, similar to the ATP and WTA tours, which could further elevate the profile of the format.For now, the tennis world is celebrating a historic moment. The 2026 US Open mixed doubles final was not just a thrilling match; it was a cultural event that proved tennis can still capture the attention of a mass audience. As the sport continues to evolve, the lessons learned from this record-breaking telecast will likely shape its future for years to come.
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