Alex de Minaur drops massive news about fiancee Katie Boulter amid fury over $1.6 million change
Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter Set to Compete in Revamped US Open Mixed Doubles
Alex de Minaur has confirmed that he and fiancée Katie Boulter plan to enter the newly reformatted mixed doubles event at the US Open in September. The announcement follows a controversial overhaul of the competition, which has drawn backlash from several players.
For the first time, the mixed doubles tournament will take place the week before the singles competition, effectively extending the US Open into a three-week event. Organizers claim the change is designed to give mixed doubles greater exposure, with the prize money for winners set at AU$1.6 million.
Under the new format, early-round matches will be best-of-three sets but played to just four games per set, with a deciding point at deuce. Tiebreakers will be played at 4-4 instead of the traditional 6-6, and if teams split sets, they will play a first-to-10 match tiebreaker instead of a full third set. However, the final will follow traditional scoring rules.
The revamped event will also feature just 16 teams, down from the usual 32. Eight teams will receive wildcards, while the other eight will be determined by the highest-ranked singles player in each pairing. This could encourage more top singles players to enter, as the competition will no longer interfere with their main draws.
De Minaur and Boulter Excited for the Opportunity
Speaking ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, de Minaur expressed his enthusiasm for the new format and the chance to compete alongside Boulter.
“I really enjoy playing mixed doubles, so I think it’s going to be fun to hopefully play some mixed with Katie,” de Minaur said. “In previous years, I probably wouldn’t have done it because, for a singles player, the priority is obviously singles.
“But the way it’s proposed now, it definitely entices a lot more singles players to participate, and it’s an opportunity.”
De Minaur, currently ranked No. 8 in the world, would automatically qualify for the event alongside Boulter. The couple previously teamed up for mixed doubles at Wimbledon in 2023.
Reflecting on their relationship and shared tennis experience, de Minaur added: “We’ve both learned a lot from each other’s tours. Before we were together, we probably didn’t know as much. It’s been fun to have those two dynamics. We bounce off each other—she gives me advice, I give her advice. Sometimes we agree, sometimes we don’t. It’s all with a good heart.”
Players Criticize US Open Mixed Doubles Overhaul
While the new format may attract more singles players, it has sparked outrage among traditional mixed doubles competitors. With only eight wildcard spots available, many doubles specialists who rely on mixed events for their livelihood could be left without a place.
Aussie player Ellen Perez voiced her frustration, saying: “Tell us that you think doubles players are trash, that tradition is overrated, and job opportunity is a thing of the past without actually saying it.”
French star and former World No. 1 in doubles, Kristina Mladenovic, also slammed the decision.
“Doing that just to sell more money during the first week of the event. Making it look like an exhibition for whoever wants to play!” she wrote. “What about players in singles qualifying who want or could play mixed with their doubles ranking?”
De Minaur and Popyrin Could Face Off in Dubai
Meanwhile, de Minaur is gearing up for his singles campaign in Dubai, where he could meet fellow Aussie Alexei Popyrin in the second round. Popyrin is the favorite in his opening-round match against Lebanese wildcard Hady Habib and will face de Minaur if the World No. 8 overcomes former Grand Slam champion Marin Cilic.
Boulter, on the other hand, recently withdrew from tournaments in Dubai and Qatar due to a foot injury. However, she remains hopeful of making her return at Indian Wells next month.
