Australia's Billie Jean King Cup captain Samantha Stosur admits the US Open's decision to change the mixed doubles format will have an "exhibition" vibe.
Last week, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced a Grand Slam first involving schedule and rule adjustments for mixed doubles.
The restructured format involves drastic changes such as 16 teams instead of 32 and best-of-three set matches to four games with sudden death deuce until the final.
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Australia's Ellen Perez, world No.13 in women's doubles, was one of many players to express frustration and disappointment.
"Tell us that you think doubles players are trash, that tradition is overrated and job opportunity is a thing of the past without actually saying it," Perez wrote.
Although Stosur made her mark in the singles by winning the 2011 US Open and reaching the 2010 French Open final, the former world No.4 was also ranked No.1 in doubles for 61 consecutive weeks, claiming four doubles titles and three mixed doubles titles at Grand Slam level.
"I'll be honest, I don't love it," Stosur told ABC Sport when asked about the mixed doubles format at Flushing Meadows.
"I get where they're coming from to try and make it a big spectacle and they're going to play it on the two biggest courts. I'm really torn. I understand it from a marketing perspective.
"But we are still talking about a Grand Slam with a rich history of Grand Slam title winners. I feel like it sort of does cheapen what you've achieved, for anyone that has won a mixed doubles title.
"It doesn't really feel like a Grand Slam title is up for grabs... it feels like it'll be more of an exhibition."
The US Open mixed doubles event will be contested from August 19.
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