Carlos Alcaraz & US Open mixed doubles stars slammed for ’embarrassing’ comments by former No 1
Former doubles world No 1 Kristina Mladenovic has slammed “embarrassing” comments made by the likes of Carlos Alcaraz regarding the revamped US Open mixed doubles event.
Rather than hold a traditional mixed doubles event in 2025, the USTA has decided to move its mixed doubles event, with the competition now being held in the pre-tournament fan week.
Sixteen teams will take part in the event, which will be a best-of-three sets, first-to-four games format, with a 10-point tiebreak in lieu of a full third set.
The decision was made to try and encourage more big names to take part, and that move has certainly worked.
ATP world No 2 Alcaraz pairs up with Emma Raducanu in arguably the most-talked-about pairing, with Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and Jannik Sinner also all entered.
The Spaniard was asked about his partnership with Raducanu during his Queen’s campaign and revealed his excitement for the upcoming tournament.
“I’m super excited about it,” said the 22-year-old. “I think it’s going to be great. It was an amazing idea for the tournament.
“I will try to bring my doubles skills. We will try to win, but obviously it’s going to be really, really fun.”
Though the 22-year-old’s comments have been celebrated by many, they appear to have drawn the ire of WTA star Mladenovic.
The Frenchwoman is a former world No 10 in singles, though she is best known for her doubles success, winning six women’s doubles and three mixed doubles Grand Slam titles.
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And, in an interview with Eurosport France, the 32-year-old expressed her frustration.
“The communication alone is bad,” commented Mladenovic.
“When you hear Alcaraz or others 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 winning pair will receive $1m in prize money, with the event being held from August 19-20; the main draw of the singles events will then begin on Sunday, August 24.
The event is set to be broadcast on TV and will likely encourage more fans to enter the site pre-tournament, when a string of exhibition events are usually held.
While recognising the potential financial benefits, Mladenovic has described the format change as “problematic.”
She added: “In terms of business strategy, it’s a brilliant idea. It guarantees the US Open a much more lucrative third week in terms of ticket sales, on-site consumption, and, I imagine, TV rights.
“But from a sporting point of view, it’s problematic because it touches on the essence of tennis. A Grand Slam is a competition steeped in history, in singles and doubles.
“And now, all of a sudden, the doubles become 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.”
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