Alexander Zverev’s campaign at the US Open mixed doubles tournament ended in the opening round after a defeat against Belinda Bencic and Fabio Cobolli in New York. The 29-year-old German star, partnering with American player Taylor Townsend, fell 2:4, 2:4 in a swift 49-minute match at Flushing Meadows.
Zverev and Townsend Stumble Early in New York
The early exit marked Zverev’s opening-round departure in the tournament’s newly revamped mixed doubles format.
Alcaraz Returns From Injury With Mixed Success
While Zverev exited quickly, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz experienced a more eventful run during his return to competitive tennis. The world number three had been sidelined for four months due to a wrist injury sustained in mid-April at the ATP tournament in Barcelona, forcing him to miss both the French Open and Wimbledon. Partnering with 44-year-old American legend Serena Williams after receiving a tournament wildcard, Alcaraz initially overcame early struggles to defeat Erin Routliffe of New Zealand and Lloyd Glasspool of Great Britain 5:3, 4:1.
However, the high-profile partnership hit a wall in the quarterfinals. Facing the same duo that dispatched Zverev and Townsend, Alcaraz and Williams fell 4:5 (4:7), 1:4 in a 55-minute battle. Despite the doubles setback, Alcaraz remains in New York as the defending champion in the men’s singles draw.
Format Changes and Prize Money Attract Scrutiny
The mixed doubles competition at the US Open features a high-stakes format entering its second year, offering a record-setting winner’s purse of one million US dollars (approximately 860,000 euros). Designed with a heavy entertainment and show-character focus, the competition’s show-focused approach drew packed crowds and vibrant atmospheres in its inaugural run last season.
Despite its popularity among fans, the format has drawn criticism from traditional doubles specialists. Because tournament organizers prioritize top singles stars like Alcaraz and Zverev through direct entries and wildcards, specialized doubles players largely find themselves excluded from the main draw unless they navigate a newly instituted four-place qualifying tournament.
Next Steps at Flushing Meadows
With their mixed doubles commitments concluded, Carlos Alcaraz turns his full attention toward the main singles draw as the final Grand Slam tournament of the year progresses.
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