Ahead of the US Open’s revolutionary twist on mixed doubles, big names are dropping out left, right, and center. It looks as though there may be more to come. Is the new format for the US Open Mixed Doubles bound to fail?
US Open Mixed Doubles Set to Fail?
Dropping Like Flies
Emma Navarro has pulled out, opting to play a warm-up tournament in Mexico instead of pairing up with four-time Slam champion Jannik Sinner. World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka was due to play with Grigor Dimitrov, but after the Bulgarian pulled out due to injury, she has opted not to play with anyone else.
Jack Draper has had to re-partner twice now, as first Qinwen Zheng and then Paula Badosa pulled out injured. He is now set to play with Jessica Pegula, whose original partner, Tommy Paul, also pulled out.
Jasmine Paolini has pulled out after reaching the final in Cincinnati, and it is expected that all other Cincinnati finalists will follow suit.
A Scheduling Nightmare
Iga Swiatek is due to play her Cincinnati final at 6 pm on Tuesday, and her first US Open mixed doubles match is scheduled less than 24 hours later, making it almost impossible for her to play.
The ATP Cincinnati’s finalists may well withdraw as well, and this would probably be the biggest blow for the tournament.
Both Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner are scheduled to play their first mixed doubles matches less than 24 hours after what will likely be a gruelling battle in the Cincinnati heat.
Although Sinner has recently re-partnered with Kateřina Siniaková, 10 10-time doubles Grand Slam champion. Perhaps a statement of intent from the Italian.
More to Follow?
As well as those that have already pulled out, with just a day to go before the mixed doubles event kicks off, there are still question marks over a lot of players’ involvement.
A video surfaced online of Novak Djokovic trying to shake off what looked to be a knee problem in practice. While the extent of how bad it is remains unknown, he may well withdraw as a safety precaution.
Likewise, Alexander Zverev and Frances Tiafoe both struggled physically in Cincinnati. Tiafoe retired against Holger Rune with a back problem. Zverev, who bravely didn’t retire, looked to be struggling with the heat in his semifinal clash with Alcaraz.
A Format That Splits Opinions
Despite some labelling it as a glorified exhibition, it is still a Grand Slam – and the winners will still technically be considered Major champions. Although many believe that the title should come with an asterisk next to it, given the shortened format.
Whether some of the players mentioned withdraw or not remains to be seen, and will likely depend on how seriously they want to take it.
But what started off as something quite exciting looks to be potentially dwindling out. Although it will still be interesting to see mixed doubles pairings we’ve never seen before.
Despite the US Open’s best efforts, we may well be seeing more doubles specialists than originally planned, as the singles players continue to withdraw.
Main Photo Credit: Amber Searls – USA TODAY Sports
