Less than 24 hours after the US Open announced an unprecedented new format for the mixed doubles, the tournament is already under heavy scrutiny from the tennis world.
The revamped format will not be played in the first two weeks of the main draw, effective in 2025.
The new format is as follows:
Event will be moved to the first week (qualifying week)
16 teams (eight based on entry plus eight wildcards)
Best-of-three set matches to four games with sudden death deuce
Final to be first to six game sets
All matches are to be played on the two primary courts
Coverage across ESPN and international broadcast
US$1 million prize money for the winning pair
However, it's hard to find players who support the bold move, as social media told the story.
Australia's Ellen Perez, ranked No.9 in women's doubles, expressed her disappointment on X, who joined other doubles players such as Jan Zielinski and Édouard Roger-Vasselin to voice their disapproval.
"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.
Reigning US Open mixed doubles champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori commented at length about "a decision made without consulting anyone".
It follows the Australian Open's "serious miscommunication" concerning ground pass holders gaining access into Rod Laver Arena for the mixed doubles final, resulting in an empty Centre Court for the majority of the contest.
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