## Alcaraz Faces Criticism Over Comments on Mixed-Doubles Amid New US Open Format
Spanish tennis ace Carlos Alcaraz, currently ranked world number two and holder of five major titles, finds himself at the centre of a debate following his remarks about the introduction of a mixed-doubles event at this year’s US Open. This new competition, set for 19-20 August at New York’s USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, will see Alcaraz teaming up with Britain’s Emma Raducanu in a much-anticipated partnership.
Alcaraz expressed enthusiasm about the mixed-doubles format, calling it an “amazing idea” for the tournament. He declared, “I’m super excited about it… I will try to bring my doubles skills. We will try to win, but obviously it’s going to be really, really fun.” His upbeat outlook, however, has drawn criticism from some quarters of the tennis community who feel the spirit and legacy of Grand Slam tournaments may be at stake.
One of the loudest voices lamenting the new structure is Kristina Mladenovic, a decorated doubles specialist with three US Open runner-up finishes and a Wimbledon title under her belt. The French star did not mince her words while discussing the changes during an interview with Eurosport. “When you hear participants say they’re going to have fun while preparing for the US Open, it’s embarrassing,” Mladenovic commented. “A Grand Slam is neither preparation nor fun. It’s years of sacrifice.”
Mladenovic emphasised the seriousness with which players approach such esteemed tournaments. “When you’re little, 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,” she added. Her comments highlight a growing concern among traditionalists that tennis could be veering towards entertainment at the expense of sporting integrity.
She went further, expressing doubts about the status afforded to the event. “From a sporting point of view, it’s problematic… The doubles becomes a super exhibition… There’s no problem putting on such an event, but above all, don’t call it a Grand Slam!” This hints at larger frustrations over how the US Open’s changes might dilute the prestige of long-held tournament disciplines.
French doubles stalwart Edouard Roger-Vasselin echoed Mladenovic’s sentiments, voicing unease over the lack of consultation with established doubles players prior to the announcement. “Nobody was consulted, that’s what’s most scary,” Roger-Vasselin remarked. He revealed many players only learnt of the format shift through an internal press release, and then only shortly before the public. “That people would rather see Carlos Alcaraz play than me, that’s obvious. But the form is a bit shocking,” he concluded, provoking further discussion about transparency and open dialogue between tournament organisers and athletes.
Financial incentives for the tournament’s newest offering have also been thrust into the spotlight, with this year’s mixed-doubles champions set to earn a staggering £727,000—far surpassing the £145,000 awarded to last year’s winners. This mammoth increase will likely cement the event as a fixture, regardless of the controversies attached.
Notably, Alcaraz and Raducanu will not be the only high-profile duo vying for the title. Italian standout Jannik Sinner will pair with Emma Navarro, whilst Serbian legend Novak Djokovic is set to compete alongside Olga Danilovic. Further star power will be provided by Aryna Sabalenka and Grigor Dimitrov, as well as Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva, signalling strong support for the initiative at the upper echelons of the sport.
Despite the excitement surrounding the event and the prospect of tennis’ luminaries sharing the court, the controversy underscores deeper questions about the direction of Grand Slam competition. Traditionalists worry that the drive for spectacle and commercial revenue may, in the long term, risk undermining the unique place of these tournaments in the sport’s history.
As the US Open approaches, it is likely that both the format and the comments from players such as Alcaraz will continue to generate debate. With the world’s eyes on New York this August, only time will tell whether this bold new initiative enriches the tennis calendar or leaves purists longing for the sport’s storied past.