Alize Cornet Takes Aim at the US Open Mixed Doubles Overhaul: “Just Want to Make Money”

The ongoing US Open mixed doubles format has once again ignited intense debate across the tennis world, with retired French player Alize Cornet launching a scathing attack on the tournament’s commercial direction.

Cornet did not hold back her frustration regarding the revised setup, arguing that the modern structure marginalizes career doubles specialists in favor of box-office singles stars.

This restructuring condenses the entire mixed doubles competition into a tight three-day window right before the main singles draws begin, turning it into a high-profile showcase event.

By packing the tournament with marquee names, the United States Tennis Association has successfully transformed a traditional side-event into prime-time entertainment. Cornet said on Eurosport:

Why don’t they just make it an exhibition? We don’t have to mix everything. This is really about making money. This is their livelihood throughout the year, and they work very hard for it. This is unfair.

Cornet pointedly criticized these changes during a recent interview, stating bluntly that the setup feels deeply unfair to athletes who grind out a living exclusively on the doubles circuit. The former World No. 11 argued that prioritizing individual singles rankings and direct organizational wildcards leaves dedicated doubles professionals out in the cold.

The tension between commercial spectacle and traditional sporting integrity has been brewing ever since the revamped format was first introduced. While tournament leadership points to packed grandstands and a lucrative one-million-dollar prize pool as proof of success, the backbone community of doubles specialists feels increasingly pushed to the sidelines.

The star-studded appeal of Carlos Alcaraz and Serena Williams

The decision to pack the entry lists with marquee talent has undeniably drawn massive crowds to Flushing Meadows, headlined by the unexpected pairing of Carlos Alcaraz and Serena Williams. This blockbuster duo instantly captured the imagination of casual fans and media outlets alike, bringing two eras of tennis greatness together on a single court.

This dream partnership serves as the ultimate proof of the USTA’s strategy to maximize ticket sales and global broadcast viewership through sheer star power. Pairing a modern-day powerhouse like Alcaraz with a living legend like Williams guarantees unprecedented media attention during the opening week of the tournament.

The logistical hurdles and physical demands of playing high-intensity mixed doubles right before the grueling singles fortnight have raised eyebrows among purists. Yet, the sheer novelty of watching two generational icons share a side of the court outweighs traditional caution for tournament organizers chasing modern engagement metrics.

Whether this specific pairing can navigate the tricky chemistry of mixed doubles remains to be seen, but their presence alone has shifted the entire cultural conversation around the event. It highlights how modern tennis is increasingly willing to bend historical norms to create unmissable entertainment.

Star pairings draw focus at the US Open

Beyond the headline-grabbing Alcaraz and Williams ticket, the tournament field boasts other monumental pairings that have captured the tennis world’s collective attention. Elite heavyweights Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka joined forces, creating another formidable powerhouse squad capable of dominating the headlines.

Djokovic and Sabalenka on the same side of the net brought a new dimension of fierce competitiveness and tactical precision to the exhibition. However, they suffered a first-round defeat in the US Open mixed doubles.

Meanwhile, real-life couple Gaël Monfils and Elina Svitolina add a deeply compelling human element to the competitive mix. Watching a married couple share the court at a major championship injects a unique brand of emotional resonance that pure exhibition pairings simply cannot replicate.

Unlike Djokovic and Sabalenka, Monfils and Svitolina won. These blockbuster combinations underline the tournament’s aggressive push to pivot toward high-concept entertainment.

Also Read: Roger Federer Picks Novak Djokovic as the US Open Favorite: “I’m Impressed”