Alex de Minaur has delivered his thoughts on the US Open’s new mixed doubles plans, after he and Katie Boulter were denied a place.
The completely revamped format has seen plenty of big names from the singles element of the sport thrust together, in an effort to attract more interest to an area of tennis that at times can be overlooked.
They will be hoping that the star power of these players can command higher viewing figures, especially in the new, quick-fire format set to be played over just two days.
There are so many notable faces taking part in this event, with a $1m prize enough to lure them into extending their calendars slightly.
And yet, despite some of the pairings having never played together, or even met, fiancés De Minaur and Boulter were denied a spot.
Alex De Minaur reacts to new US Open mixed doubles format
Speaking after his opening-round win at the Washington Open, the Australian was asked about this snub and if he would still be pushing to secure a spot.
He admitted: “Yeah, I mean, we’d be definitely asking for a wildcard, and we’re definitely hoping for a wildcard. I think, you know, yeah, why not give a little bit of love to a tennis couple?
“You know, we have been going strong. It’s been what, five years already, getting married next year. I think we’re showing that there is good chemistry between us.
“I think some of the other partnerships, they haven’t really said a word to each other in their lives, right? At least we kind of know each other, so we can hopefully show some good chemistry and hopefully play some good matches there (smiling).”
This lighthearted dig likely took aim at Jannik Sinner’s partnership with Emma Navarro, as the Italian admitted that they spoke for the first time ever at Wimbledon earlier this month.
Elsewhere, Emma Raducanu will partner Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open’s mixed doubles, as one of the standout pairings that has generated plenty of interest since its announcement.
Many people have criticised the US Open’s new mixed doubles event
And whilst many have had fun speaking about these wonderful and wacky combinations, others believe this makes a mockery of the format.
After all, by completely revamping the format, they have stolen so many places from the actual doubles players, who likely were looking to the US Open as a great opportunity to gain crucial income.
Katerina Siniakova, the top-ranked doubles player in all of the WTA, was one particularly disgruntled individual, after she was also snubbed from the roster.
“When two world No. 1s in doubles don’t get into the tournament, there’s probably nothing more to say about it,” she admitted.
“I mean, I wouldn’t be surprised if I don’t get it [a wildcard], actually. I will just keep it like this.”
She is one of many to voice concerns over this controversial decision from the US Open.
