Alex de Minaur drops massive news about fiancee Katie Boulter amid fury over $1.6 million change
Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter Eye Mixed Doubles at Revamped US Open
Alex de Minaur has confirmed that he and fiancée Katie Boulter are planning to compete in the newly revamped mixed doubles event at the US Open in September. The format change has sparked controversy, but tournament officials argue it will increase exposure for mixed doubles players.
Under the new structure, mixed doubles will take place the week before the singles event, effectively turning the US Open into a three-week Grand Slam. Prize money for the winners has been set at AU$1.6 million, and early-round matches will feature a best-of-three format, with sets played to four games and a deciding point at deuce. Tiebreakers will now occur at 4-4 instead of 6-6, and if sets are split, a first-to-10 match tiebreaker will replace a traditional third set—except in the final, where standard scoring rules will apply.
The field has also been reduced from 32 to just 16 teams, with eight pairs granted wildcards and the remaining eight determined by the highest-ranked singles player in each duo. This shift could encourage top singles players to participate since the format no longer overlaps with their main draw commitments.
De Minaur and Boulter Excited for US Open Mixed Doubles
Speaking over the weekend, de Minaur expressed enthusiasm about teaming up with Boulter again, having previously played mixed doubles together at Wimbledon in 2023.
“I really enjoy playing mixed doubles, so it’s going to be fun to hopefully partner with Katie,” de Minaur said ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. “For singles players, the old format made it difficult to consider playing mixed, but with the new structure, it’s a real opportunity. It definitely entices more singles players to join in.”
De Minaur also highlighted how their relationship has influenced their games: “We’ve both learned a lot from each other’s tours. Before we were together, we probably didn’t know as much about each other’s schedules and styles. We bounce off each other—she gives me advice, I give her advice. Sometimes we agree, sometimes we don’t, but it’s all in good spirit.”
Backlash Over Mixed Doubles Revamp
While the new format benefits players like de Minaur and Boulter, many mixed doubles specialists have criticized the decision, arguing that reducing the draw will limit opportunities for dedicated doubles players.
Australian doubles star 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.”
Former World No.1 and nine-time Grand Slam champion Kristina Mladenovic also slammed the changes: “This is terribly shocking. They’re doing this just to sell more money in the first week, making it look like an exhibition. What about singles qualifiers who could play mixed based on their doubles ranking?”
De Minaur and Popyrin Set for Dubai Clash
Meanwhile, de Minaur is back in action this week at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, where he could face fellow Aussie Alexei Popyrin in the second round. Popyrin is expected to defeat Lebanese wildcard Hady Habib in his opener, while de Minaur will have to navigate a tough first-round match against former Grand Slam champion Marin Cilic.
As for Boulter, she recently withdrew from tournaments in Dubai and Qatar due to a foot injury. However, she remains optimistic about returning to competition at Indian Wells next month.
