A Star-Studded Format Under Fire
The US Open has transformed its Mixed Doubles event into a celebrity showcase, pairing top singles stars together for a shot at a one-million-dollar prize. This year's field includes some genuinely jaw-dropping combinations: Carlos Alcaraz alongside Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic teaming with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, and the all-American partnership of Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz. While casual fans are surely thrilled, the tennis community's doubles specialists are furious.
Former world No. 11 Alize Cornet did not hold back during an appearance on the French television program Les Grandes Gueules du Sport. She argued the revamped competition is essentially a money-making exhibition dressed up as a legitimate Grand Slam event. Cornet called it "a total lack of respect for the sport," emphasizing that doubles is a full-time profession for many players who dedicate their entire careers to mastering it.
Doubles Players Push Back
Cornet is far from alone. Sara Errani and Andreas Vavassori, who won the mixed doubles title in the event's inaugural year under the new format, have released a public statement criticizing organizers for flooding the draw with singles wildcards. Australian doubles player Ellen Perez also delivered a sharp rebuke on social media, suggesting the decision all but signals that doubles players and their traditions are being pushed aside.
Qualifying, which does still include mostly doubles specialists, takes place on August 24th. The main draw matches are scheduled for Arthur Ashe Stadium on August 25th and 26th, giving singles players like Alcaraz a chance to shake off rust before the main event begins on August 30th.
TennisDraw users have already flagged Alcaraz and Williams as one of the most-picked wildcard pairings heading into Opening Week.
