Top tennis players target U.S. Open’s star-studded mixed doubles event in prize money push

Professional tennis players, including Jessica Pegula, are lobbying the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) to increase prize money for a high-profile mixed doubles event at the U.S. Open. On July 4, 2026, a group of players met with USTA Chairman Brian Vahaly in London to discuss financial incentives for the star-studded competition.

The meeting focused on the discrepancy between the commercial value these top players bring to the mixed doubles draw and the current payout structure. According to reports, the players aim to ensure that the financial rewards reflect the event’s ability to attract global viewership and sponsorship interest.

USTA Negotiations and Player Demands

The July 4 meeting in London served as a formal push from the players to reorganize how the USTA allocates funds for mixed doubles. Jessica Pegula, a leading figure in the group, sought to align the event’s prize pool with the prestige and marketability of the athletes participating.

Mixed doubles has historically offered significantly lower payouts than singles or standard doubles events. By targeting the U.S. Open, the players are leveraging the tournament’s status as one of the most lucrative stops on the tennis calendar to set a new precedent for the discipline.

Impact on the U.S. Open Mixed Doubles Event

The USTA owns and operates the U.S. Open, giving Brian Vahaly and the association direct control over the purse strings. The players’ strategy relies on the argument that a “star-studded” mixed doubles draw increases the overall value of the tournament for broadcasters and sponsors.

If the USTA agrees to the prize money push, it could lead to more top-ranked singles players entering the mixed doubles draw. Currently, many elite players skip the event due to the high physical toll and low financial return compared to their singles commitments.

Broader Trends in Tennis Sports Business

This effort is part of a larger movement within the tennis business to modernize payout structures across different formats. While singles prize money has reached historic highs, the gap between singles and doubles—particularly mixed doubles—remains a point of contention for athlete representatives.

The push for higher prize money in mixed doubles reflects a shift in how players view the commercialization of their brand. By treating the mixed doubles event as a marquee attraction rather than a secondary exhibition, players are attempting to capture a larger share of the tournament’s revenue.