Alex de Minaur’s cheeky dig after he and fiancee Katie Boulter overlooked for mixed doubles spot
Alex de Minaur delivered a cheeky dig after he and fiancée Katie Boulter were overlooked for a mixed doubles spot at the US Open 2025, highlighting his playful frustration with the selection process. The Australian No. 1, currently ranked No. 11, and British No. 1 Boulter, ranked No. 24, had expressed enthusiasm about teaming up for the newly revamped mixed doubles event during Fan Week (August 19-20), which offers a £742,000 prize. However, despite their combined singles ranking and past success as a pair—reaching the second round at Wimbledon 2023—they were not among the initial 16-team draw, which prioritizes top singles players and includes wildcards.
De Minaur, speaking after his opening-round win at the Washington Open on July 24, 2025, took a lighthearted swipe at the pairings, particularly those like Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro, who admitted to meeting for the first time at Wimbledon. He remarked, “At least we kind of know each other,” subtly contrasting his established relationship with Boulter against the tournament’s seemingly random selections. This comment, interpreted as a jab at the organizers’ choices, reflects his hope for a wildcard entry, which he had previously confirmed they’d request. The couple’s exclusion, despite their engagement announcement in December 2024 and mutual support on tour, has fueled speculation about the USTA’s focus on star power over familiarity.
The new format, condensed into two days and favoring singles players, has drawn criticism from doubles specialists like Katerina Siniakova, who was also snubbed, but De Minaur sees it as an opportunity, noting it entices singles players like himself. His dig underscores a mix of humor and mild disappointment, especially as other high-profile pairs like Carlos Alcaraz and Raducanu, and Nick Kyrgios with Osaka, secured spots. As of 04:41 AM WAT on July 26, 2025, no wildcard has been confirmed, leaving their participation uncertain as they prepare for the US Open singles draw starting August 24.
