Okristina Mladenovic, one of many nice references of the circuit in doubles and triple Grand Slam champion within the blended modality, has proven her indignation on the new strategy of the event. In statements to Eurosport, the French participant criticized the strategy.
Some statements went viral to Tennis Actu(“Whenever you hear Alcaraz and others… it is embarrassing”) that the participant later confirmed that this was not the case, however what she really stated was: “That each one the contributors say that they wish to have enjoyable to arrange for the US Open is embarrassing. A Slam is just not a preparation or an amusement”.
An argument that continues
The US Open has ignited intense debate within the tennis world after asserting a significant transformation of its blended doubles event. What was till now a standard occasion inside the Grand Slams turns into this yr an elite exhibition through the “US Open Fan Week”, the week earlier than the official begin of the principle draw. With a prize fund of $1 million for the successful pair, a compressed format and the participation of illustrious names from the singles circuit corresponding to Carlos Alcaraz, Emma Raducanu, Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka, the event is clearly aiming for spectacle. Nevertheless, behind the highlight, many see it as a betrayal of the historical past of this self-discipline.
The US Open determination signifies that solely 16 pairs will take part: eight categorized by particular person mixed rating and eight others by direct invitation. The matches, all performed within the massive stadiums of the New York complicated, will likely be performed briefly units of 4 video games, aside from the ultimate (six), with tiebreak with out benefit and tremendous tiebreak because the third set. The occasion will happen on August 19 and 20, coinciding with the week wherein the preliminary phases of the event are historically held.
The record of contributors already introduced has generated nice expectation as a result of presence of media and unprecedented {couples}. However for the specialists, the brand new format is a flagrant exclusion.Kristina Mladenovic, one of many nice legends of blended doubles with 9 Grand Slam titles – three of them on this modality – was one of many first to boost her voice.
“From a industrial standpoint, it is a sensible concept. It ensures the US Open a way more profitable third week by way of tickets, consumption and tv rights. However from a sporting standpoint, it is problematic as a result of it touches the essence of tennis. A Grand Slam is historical past. And this isn’t. Do not name it a Grand Slam”
Mladenovic, hampered lately by a persistent harm, finds herself out of a event that was lengthy a part of her aggressive schedule. “No person consulted us, that is the scariest half. This isn’t an evolution, it’s a unilateral determination that sidelines those that have devoted their careers to doubles,” she provides bitterly
The crux of the matter, critics level out, is just not solely the type of the occasion, however the message it sends: tens of millions are awarded to gamers who don’t want it, whereas the actual specialists on the circuit proceed to battle to remain afloat. “As kids we dreamed of successful a Grand Slam, even in doubles. What we did not dream of was that our sport would grow to be a present placed on only for cash,” Mladenovic laments. The controversy continues.
