Amid growing controversy about Alcaraz, Raducanu-led mixed doubles line-up, 2-time Slam champ Jan Zielinski calls out US Open for ‘unfair’ treatment
Two-time Grand Slam mixed doubles champion Jan Zieliński called out the US Open for its “unfair” treatment of doubles specialists in the revamped 2025 mixed doubles event, per @NewsSportGlobe. The Polish world No. 7 in doubles, who won the 2024 Australian Open and Wimbledon mixed titles with Hsieh Su-wei, criticized the tournament’s new format, which prioritizes singles stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, sidelining traditional doubles players. Zieliński stated, “It’s unfair to those who dedicate their careers to doubles. This feels like a show, not a Slam,” echoing sentiments from other specialists, per Devdiscourse.
Controversy Over New Format
The US Open’s mixed doubles, set for August 19–20, 2025, features a 16-team field, down from 32, with a $1 million prize and a “fast-four” format (sets to four games, tie-break at 4-4, no-ad scoring). Only eight teams qualify via combined singles rankings, with eight wildcards, favoring high-profile pairs like Alcaraz-Raducanu, Naomi Osaka-Nick Kyrgios, and Jannik Sinner-Emma Navarro, per BBC. Critics, including 2024 US Open champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, labeled it a “pseudo-exhibition” that undermines doubles integrity, per ESPN. Zieliński, reliant on a wildcard with Hsieh, argued the format “shuts out players who grind year-round,” per Motorcycle Sports.
Zieliński’s Perspective
Zieliński, whose 2023 Australian Open doubles final and 2024 ATP 500 Acapulco title highlight his pedigree, expressed frustration that “doubles specialists are an afterthought,” per Tennis.com. He noted the financial impact, as Grand Slam prize money is crucial for lower-ranked doubles players, unlike singles stars with sponsorships, per The Athletic. Martina Navratilova, a 10-time mixed doubles Slam champion, called the wildcard system a “mockery,” questioning its fairness, per The Athletic.
Support and Backlash
Fans on X, like @TennisFanatic22, supported Zieliński, writing, “Doubles players deserve respect, not crumbs,” while others, per @USOpenBuzz, praised the star power, saying, “Alcaranu and Osaka-Kyrgios will pack Arthur Ashe.” USTA CEO Lew Sherr defended the format, stating, “This showcases the world’s best competing together,” per The Guardian. However, French doubles star Kristina Mladenovic called the changes “terribly shocking,” per BBC. Alcaraz, addressing the controversy post-Queen’s Club win, said, “I get the criticism, but I’m just excited to play with Emma,” per Daily Mail.
Implications
The debate underscores a divide between entertainment and tradition. While the US Open aims to boost fan engagement, doubles specialists like Zieliński, Errani, and Vavassori face reduced opportunities. As the entry window closes on July 28, the wildcard decisions will further shape the controversy, per Outlook India. Zieliński’s outspoken critique highlights a broader call for equity in tennis’ evolving landscape, per @NewsSportGlobe.
