The US Open mixed doubles tournament has sparked intense debate across the tennis world, driven by a lucrative $1 million prize purse and the marquee inclusion of singles superstars like Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Serena Williams, according to international sports reports.
A Million-Dollar Purse and a Major Divide
As the tournament draws global attention, the revamped mixed doubles format has created a sharp divide. While tournament organizers spotlight high-profile pairings designed to captivate casual fans and broadcast audiences, established doubles specialists have voiced fierce opposition to changes they argue sideline regular tour competitors, as detailed by outlets such as Le Figaro and L’Équipe.
French Player Alizé Cornet Leads the Backlash
Among the most vocal critics is French player Alizé Cornet, who publicly criticized the heavy influx of singles headliners into the mixed doubles draw.
According to L’Équipe and Orange Sports, Cornet sharply rebuked the new setup, declaring that the tournament format “no longer looks like anything” (“Ça ne ressemble plus à rien”) given the dominance of singles stars taking up coveted spots.
Flushing Meadows Entry Lists Altered by Star Power
The inclusion of elite pairings—such as the projected marquee team featuring Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, alongside other blockbuster combinations like Carlos Alcaraz and Serena Williams—has fundamentally altered the traditional entry lists for the discipline, per Univers Tennis and Eurosport coverage.
For specialized doubles players who rely on ranking-based entry to secure prize money and ranking points at Grand Slam events, the star-driven wildcard and direct-entry allocations represent a significant barrier.
Organizers Defend the Modernizing Overhaul
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