sports
US Open row erupts as tournament accused of being 'unfair'
Alize Cornet has lashed out at the US Open’s revamped mixed doubles tournament, which returned for the second year running. Last year, US Open organisers decided to move the mixed doubles tournament to ‘Fan Week’ – the week before the rest of the main draws get underway. Only 16 teams make it in, with entries based on singles rankings.
TL;DR
- Alize Cornet labels the US Open's revamped mixed doubles tournament as 'unfair' and a 'money-making strategy'.
- The tournament is held during 'Fan Week', prior to the main draws, with only 16 teams competing.
- Entry is primarily based on singles rankings, with a one-day qualifying competition added this year.
- Cornet argues the format disadvantages dedicated doubles players and diminishes the event's seriousness.
- Blockbuster pairings like Sabalenka/Djokovic and Williams/Alcaraz competed, with a $1 million prize purse.
- The semi-finals feature Elina Svitolina/Gael Monfils against Belinda Bencic/Flavio Cobolli, and Karolina Muchova/Jakub Mensik against Mirra Andreeva/Andrey Rublev.