“It’s embarrassing” – Carlos Alcaraz & other stars lambasted by 9x Slam champ over attitude on ‘problematic’ US Open mixed doubles event
Nine-time Grand Slam doubles champion Kristina Mladenovic has unleashed a scathing critique of Carlos Alcaraz and other top singles players for their approach to the revamped US Open mixed doubles event, set for August 19–20, 2025. In an interview with *Eurosport France* on June 24, 2025, Mladenovic labeled their comments “embarrassing,” arguing that treating the event as “fun” and a warm-up for the singles competition undermines the prestige of a Grand Slam. The controversy, amplified by posts on X, has sparked debate as players like Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu prepare for Wimbledon, starting June 30, 2025.
The US Open’s new mixed doubles format, a standalone 16-team tournament held during Fan Week with a $1 million prize, has attracted stars like Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Novak Djokovic. Alcaraz, partnering with Raducanu, expressed enthusiasm, saying, “It’s going to be really, really fun,” in a June 17 *Guardian* interview. Mladenovic, a six-time women’s doubles and three-time mixed doubles Grand Slam winner, took issue with this mindset, stating, “When you hear Alcaraz or others say they’re going to have fun while preparing for the US Open, it’s embarrassing. A Grand Slam is neither preparation nor fun. It’s years of sacrifice.” She argued that the format, with shorter matches and no-ad scoring, turns the event into a “super exhibition,” devaluing its Grand Slam status. “There’s no problem holding such an event, but don’t call it a Grand Slam,” she added, per *Sportskeeda*.
Mladenovic’s criticism echoes sentiments from other doubles specialists, including Jan Zielinski, who won mixed doubles at the 2024 Australian Open and Wimbledon but was snubbed for the US Open event. Zielinski vented on X, writing, “I guess winning two grand slams in mixed doubles in one year is not enough to get an invitation to US Open ‘exhibition’ event.” The format’s shift to favor singles stars, with eight of 16 teams receiving wildcards, has sidelined specialists, prompting accusations of prioritizing entertainment over competitive integrity. A fan on X lamented, “You’re ruining doubles players’ careers and opportunities,” reflecting broader discontent.
Alcaraz, the 2025 French Open champion, and Raducanu, the 2021 US Open winner, headline a star-studded field, joined by pairs like Sinner with Emma Navarro and Djokovic with Olga Danilovic. While USTA CEO Lew Sherr defends the format as a way to “showcase doubles to more people,” per *The Athletic*, critics like Mladenovic argue it erodes the sport’s essence. As Alcaraz aims for a third Wimbledon title, the controversy underscores tensions between tennis’ commercial evolution and its traditional values.
