Carlos Alcaraz, the World No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion, has been sharply criticized by former doubles World No. 1 Kristina Mladenovic for his lighthearted comments about the revamped 2025 US Open mixed doubles event, set for August 19–20. Mladenovic, a nine-time Grand Slam doubles winner, called Alcaraz’s remarks “embarrassing” in a June 24, 2025, *Eurosport France* interview, arguing that treating the event as “fun” and a preparation for singles undermines the prestige of a Grand Slam. The backlash, reported by *Yardbarker* and *The Mirror US*, has stirred controversy as Alcaraz prepares for Wimbledon, starting June 30, 2025.
Alcaraz, who will partner Emma Raducanu in the star-studded mixed doubles event, expressed excitement at Queen’s Club, calling Raducanu “the boss” and the new format “really, really fun,” per *tennis365.com*. The US Open’s restructured tournament, moved to Fan Week with a $1 million prize and a condensed format (best-of-three sets, first-to-four games, 10-point tiebreak), has attracted top singles players like Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Iga Swiatek. Mladenovic, however, condemned this approach, 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 the format turns doubles into a “super exhibition,” per *Sportskeeda*, a sentiment echoed by Poland’s Jan Zielinski, who was snubbed despite winning two 2024 mixed doubles Slams.
The controversy highlights tensions between singles and doubles players, with only one specialist team, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, in the 16-team draw. Alcaraz’s comments, while enthusiastic, have fueled debate about the event’s legitimacy, with Mladenovic asserting, “There’s no problem organizing such an event, but don’t call it a Grand Slam.” Fans on X, like @ThePequejack, noted Mladenovic’s broader critique of all singles stars, not just Alcaraz, but the Spaniard’s prominence made him a focal point. His 2024 US Open second-round loss to Botic van de Zandschulp (6-1, 7-5, 6-4), blamed on a grueling schedule, adds context to his approach to the lighter mixed doubles format.
As Alcaraz, fresh off a Queen’s Club title, aims for a third consecutive Wimbledon crown, the criticism underscores a divide in tennis over commercial innovation versus tradition. His focus remains on singles, but the mixed doubles debate will likely intensify as the US Open nears.
