The US Open just dropped something nobody saw coming. A tennis-savvy bachelorette looking for love on the courts during Fan Week, complete with drama, competition, and a $1 million mixed doubles prize pool. The announcement sent shockwaves through the tennis world, but not the kind organizers were hoping for.
What Is “Game, Set, Matchmaker” and How Does It Work?
On July 31, the official US Open Twitter account announced the launch of “Game, Set, Matchmaker,” an original eight-episode series streaming on YouTube that follows 24-year-old Ilana Sedaka, nicknamed “the Champion,” as she competes in seven one-on-one matches during Fan Week for a chance at love.
Introducing Game, Set, Matchmaker, a bold new US Open YouTube series that follows one tennis-savvy bachelorette, “the Champion” on her quest to find love, one match at a time.
Over the course of 8 episodes filmed during US Open Fan Week, will any of her 7 matches be destined for… pic.twitter.com/xJGQmwAkh0
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) July 31, 2025
Filmed at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the series debuts alongside the newly reimagined US Open Mixed Doubles Championship. For the first time, the mixed doubles event will be held exclusively during Fan Week on Tuesday, August 19 and Wednesday, August 20. The pair of Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz was awarded wildcard entries into the mixed doubles this year.
The championship will feature 16 teams of top singles players competing in best-of-three, short sets to four games without ad scoring. If needed, a 10-point match tiebreak will be given instead of a third set for a $1 million winners’ purse. The championship rounds will take place in Arthur Ashe Stadium, offering fans a showcase of the sport’s best talents.
Paula Badosa was initially set to team up with Stefanos Tsitsipas, but due to their recent break-up and the Greek player’s withdrawal from the tournament, the Spaniard will now team up with Britain’s Jack Draper.
Why Are Tennis Fans So Upset About This Series?
The announcement of “Game, Set, Matchmaker” didn’t get the reaction the USTA was expecting. Tennis fans across social media expressed their frustration with this love-themed approach to the sport, flooding the comment section of the US Open’s official tweet with criticism.
One fan wasn’t happy with the changes made by the US Open, writing, “This US Open is getting worse and worse.” They didn’t stop there, adding an appeal: “I’ve heard and seen enough, we need to move this Grand Slam somewhere more worthy.”
The dating show comparison hit particularly hard with fans. Another critic wasn’t happy with the series being a dating-themed event and wrote, “Why are you turning a wonderful Grand Slam into Love Island ffs”
Why are you turning a wonderful Grand Slam into Love Island ffs
— 𝐏𝐚𝐯𝐥𝐨 𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐫 (@Pavlo__Escobar) July 31, 2025
Some reactions were even more direct. One fan didn’t hold back: “NOBODY asked for this”
NOBODY asked for this
— bigeastnyc (@jnyc44) July 31, 2025
The controversy even shifted perspectives on other tournament changes. One fan targeted the US Open mixed doubles and wrote, “I apologize for criticizing this year’s mixed doubles, that wasn’t the worst thing US Open has introduced.”
I apologize for criticizing this year’s mixed doubles, that wasn’t the worst thing US Open has introduced https://t.co/2ASi09poCO
— Srihari (@haddockovic) July 31, 2025
The backlash reached a point where fans took action. One critic unfollowed the US Open’s official Twitter account and called the series “meaningless garbage.”
Unfollowed. This is unacceptable from a “prestigious” Grand Slam. The focus of the event is the great athletes, not this meaningless garbage. Do better.
— ArchEnemy33 (@ArchEnemy33) July 31, 2025
The US Open’s decision to introduce a dating-themed YouTube series has clearly divided tennis fans. While the organization continues looking for new ways to engage audiences, “Game, Set, Matchmaker” certainly wasn’t welcomed by everyone in the tennis community.
