US Open Mixed Doubles: Dream Teams or Just a Lucrative Exhibition?

The upcoming US Open mixed doubles tournament is generating significant buzz, featuring star-studded pairings like Venus Williams and Reilly Opelka, and Amanda Anisimova with Holger Rune. A total of 25 duos are vying for one of the 16 coveted spots in the competition, where the winning team will take home a cool $1 million.

The tournament, scheduled for August 19-20, will determine its participants based on combined singles rankings and wild-card invitations from the USTA. The mixed doubles event has been strategically moved to the week preceding the singles competition, which kicks off on August 24.

Dream Teams Assemble

Beyond Williams and Opelka, the potential pairing of Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz has captured the imagination of tennis fans. Other notable pairings include Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner teaming up with Emma Navarro, and Novak Djokovic potentially partnering with Olga Danilovic. The format will feature short four-game sets, a deciding point at deuce, and a 10-point match tiebreak instead of a third set, adding to the unique appeal of the event.

Doubts and Controversy

However, not everyone is convinced this is a legitimate Grand Slam event. Barry Fulcher, coach of Wimbledon doubles champion Julian Cash, has voiced concerns, suggesting the tournament is more of a lucrative exhibition. He predicts potential withdrawals and argues that awarding Grand Slam status to this event diminishes the opportunity for dedicated doubles players.

Fulcher highlights that established doubles players like Cash and his partner Lloyd Glasspool haven't received invitations, raising questions about the event's focus on star power over traditional doubles expertise. "This exhibition event will be great fun, but it is not a Grand Slam and it shouldn’t be viewed as such," Fulcher stated. He also expressed skepticism about the participation of all announced pairings, hinting at possible last-minute changes.

Will the US Open mixed doubles deliver the spectacle it promises, or will it be remembered as a glorified exhibition that sidelines dedicated doubles players? Only time will tell.