Jessica Pegula Slams the US Open for the Drastic Overhaul of the Mixed Doubles Format

Jessica Pegula has lent her voice to the ongoing criticism of the US Open mixed doubles' new format.

Jessica Pegula Slams the US Open for the Drastic Overhaul of the Mixed Doubles Format

Jessica Pegula (Image via X/WTA Insider)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Jessica Pegula has criticized the US Open organizers for overhauling the mixed doubles format, which is now centered on attracting more spectators and sponsors, but has pushed mixed doubles specialist players out of it. The American star’s comments come after the new format has received criticism and praise from players.

The US Open announced in February that its mixed doubles competition will offer $1 million in prize money, and the tournament will kick off from August 19-20, days before the singles event kicks off on the 24th. Also, the competition will now feature 16 teams, instead of the usual 32 teams that competed last year.

In addition, instead of the entries being open to mixed doubles specialist players, eight entries will be based on the combined singles players’ ranking and eight wild cards. This move has been labeled disrespectful by the US Open mixed doubles defending champion Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori.

However, the US Open has defended its stand on the new format, claiming that despite understanding the negative feedback from players, the event will now attract fans and inspire more players to compete in the competition. But that hasn’t died down the criticism. Recently, Kristina Mladenovic revealed that despite previously being ranked No.1 she couldn’t gain an entry to the competition.

During an interview with Tennis Channel, Jessica Pegula revealed that the new format will surely attract fans, but not allowing mixed doubles specialists to play isn’t the right way. She added that players who usually play mixed doubles wouldn’t get any prize money at this year’s final Grand Slam:

The fans will continue excitedly attending the matches, but something is not right when you have so many upset players saying they can’t play now, that can never be positive. There are many doubles players complaining that this was their way to make money, and now it has been taken away. Of course, it will be a very fun event, I have no doubt about that, but at the same time, I wish they had communicated a little better with us.

The US Open has already announced 14 of the 16 teams for the mixed doubles event. So far, eight men and six women of the revealed teams are in the top 10, while nine are Grand Slam singles champions. Most of the regular mixed doubles players are currently not in the list, with the event just a few days before kick-off.

Jessica Pegula says players weren’t consulted before the US Open mixed doubles new format

Emma Raducanu will pair with Carlos Alcaraz, while Jannik Sinner teams up with Emma Navarro for the mixed doubles event at the US Open. Also, Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek will partner with Casper Ruud, and Paula Badosa, who initially partnered with Stefanos Tsitsipas, dropped the Greek star for British Jack Draper.

Jessica Pegula (2)
Jessica Pegula (Image via X/CGTN Sports Scene)

Jessica Pegula and her partner Tommy Paul gained a direct entry into the new mixed doubles format. However, during the aforementioned interview, she revealed that the players were not first consulted before the US Open organizers made the decision to overhaul the old format:

We received the news with surprise, accepting that the US Open got sneaky to change the format without telling anyone; they just did it, without consultation. Have you talked to the players? Were you interested in their opinion to know how it could be better? This is a subject that we, as players, are trying to work on with them, making that line of communication closer.

Nonetheless, Pegula is competing at the ongoing Cincinnati Open, where she booked her place in the third round after beating Kimberly Birrell in straight sets. She will face Magda Linette next for a place in the fourth round. The 2024 runner-up has not been in form since the Wimbledon Championship, winning just two matches in four tournaments.

Also Read: (Video) Carlos Alcaraz Sports Luchador Mask Gifted by Fan After Cincinnati Practice Session