For a long time I’ve wanted to write a blog post about the phrase “the Open era” — what it means and why it matters. I knew the basics, but something about it confused me — something I had trouble articulating — and I figured I might not be alone in that feeling. This year’s U.S. Open, where Novak Djokovic, in the waning days of his career, will try to finally top Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, seemed like the perfect time to dig in.

But there’s another U.S. Open story that I want to write about: the new and highly controversial mixed doubles format. How can we ignore that can of slimy worms?

As I considered the choice, though, it dawned on me: These aren’t different topics at all. So lucky us, we get to tackle both in one bloated blog post. (Don’t give me the eyeroll. Focusing through long boring reads helps ward off dementia. You’ll thank me when you’re older.)

Continue reading “Mixed Doubles, the Open Era — and the Business of Tennis” →