‘Embarrassing’ – Players calling controversial new US Open mixed doubles format ‘fun’ upsets former world No. 1

The former world No. 1 doubles player will not take part, with the 16 pairs selected all top-ranking singles specialists.

The revamp sees the mixed doubles removed from the traditional two-week Grand Slam window. While the other doubles events will take place alongside the singles, the mixed doubles is now part of ‘US Open Fan Week’.

The match format is also altered, with shorter sets, no ad calling and a super tie-break in lieu of a third set.

Eight doubles pairings qualified on their combined singles rankings, while the other eight were invited to compete.

“From a sporting point of view, it’s problematic because it touches on the essence of tennis,” Mladenovic explained to .

“A Grand Slam is a competition steeped in history, in singles and doubles. And now, all of a sudden, the doubles becomes a super exhibition without anyone or anything having a say.

“There’s no problem putting on such an event, but above all, don’t call it a Grand Slam!”

For the players involved, they have a chance to warm up for the US Open by facing their opponents, and will also get an advantage by playing on the main show courts – Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Alcaraz and Raducanu are not the only star pairing – Jannik Sinner is set to compete with home favourite Emma Navarro, Jessica Pegula and Tommy Paul make for an all-US duo, while Iga Swiatek takes part with Casper Ruud.

“The communication alone is bad,” Mladenovic continued.

“When you hear participants say they’re going to have fun while preparing for the US Open, it’s embarrassing.

“A Grand Slam is neither preparation nor fun. It’s years of sacrifice. When you’re young, you dream of winning one, even in doubles.

“You don’t want to see your sport turn into a gigantic spectacle, even if it will indeed bring in a lot of money.”

The winners are set to walk away with $1 million, while last year’s mixed doubles champions walked away with $200,000.

Mladenovic is a six-time doubles Grand Slam champion and has also won three mixed doubles Slams. She has never won either event at the US Open, although she is a three-time finalist in New York in the women’s doubles.

But the doubles specialists will now only have one title to go for at Flushing Meadows, and one pot of prize money.

“We’ve been hearing for years that the funds raised by the Grand Slams aren’t being redistributed as they should be.

“And now, when we see the prize money being offered to players who don’t need it – but who will gladly take it – it’s a little disturbing.

“For some time now, we’ve had the impression that everything is going in all directions, and we’re wondering where our sport is going. What’s wrong with it that we always want to change everything?”