'THERE WAS A LITTLE BIT OF DISCUSSION': MILLMAN EXPECTS DOUBLES PLAYERS TO BE 'DIVIDED'

Former Australian world No.33 John Millman has weighed in on the US Open's recent decision to overhaul the mixed doubles event, admitting doubles specialists will suffer the biggest hit.

It was announced that the final Grand Slam of the year will move the mixed doubles to the first week of qualifying, with the bold plan copping massive criticism.

Australia's Ellen Perez, ranked No.9 in the WTA doubles rankings, shared her disapproval on X.

"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," she wrote.

Part of the drastic changes include reducing the field from 32 teams to 16 teams and best-of-three set matches to four games until the final.

Despite growing anger on social media, Millman believes the revamped format was in the works for some time.

"There was a little bit of discussion amongst the player forums at the Australian Open where this [new form] was starting to get voiced behind the scenes, and it seemed some big changes could be made," he told Wide World of Sports.

Both doubles and mixed doubles reputations have fallen in past years, highlighted by less top singles players participating in tournaments.

Last month, the Australian Open confessed to "serious miscommunication" concerning ground pass holders gaining access into Rod Laver Arena for the all-Aussie mixed doubles final.

Millman expects players like Perez will be impacted the most by the US Open's decision.

"I'm sure it's quite divided [amongst the players]," he said.

"The pure doubles players are probably the ones that are potentially going to be the most impacted by this decision.

"The mixed doubles is an event that has become obsolete to the singles players.

"However, I think that the pure mixed doubles players, with the reduced draw, are disappointed by the US Open's shake-up."

Given the recent backlash since the move was made public, it provides the US Open a chance to capitalise from a promotional and marketing standpoint according to Millman.

Beginning this year, Flushing Meadows will follow the same path as the Australian Open and Roland Garros, commencing on the Sunday to add a 15th day to the main draw.

"It is something that has been identified by tournament organisers. They want to get the big-name players playing more often," Millman said.

"By playing this mixed doubles tournament at the US Open in the qualifying week, it feels to me as a spectator looking in now that there is a big drive to make the qualifying week more of a bigger deal commercially or with more interest.

"We saw this at the Australian Open this year with a lot of ticketed exhibition matches being played.

"No longer is this being called qualifying week, it's been branded as Opening Week."

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