Tennis stars Zverev and Bencic start their US Open mixed doubles match promptly
The US Open 2022 has seen a mix of excitement and controversy, with the new format for the mixed doubles competition drawing significant criticism.
In the first round of the competition, world number three Alexander Zverev and Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic faced Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York. However, the pair struggled, losing the match 0:4, 3:5.
Zverev, who has been dealing with physical issues, appeared to be affected by the heat of the Ohio summer during his participation in the Cincinnati Masters 1000 event. Bencic, on the other hand, had a strong showing at the Tokyo Olympics, winning gold alongside Zverev. The pair have known each other since childhood.
Meanwhile, the criticism of the new format centers on the exclusion and unfair treatment of doubles specialists. Many players and commentators argue that moving the mixed doubles event outside the main two-week tournament, shortening it dramatically, and selecting most teams based on singles rankings rather than doubles expertise has resulted in a "profound injustice" and loss of opportunity for dedicated doubles players to compete in and win a Grand Slam title.
Key points of criticism include the exclusion of doubles specialists, scheduling outside the main Grand Slam weeks, prize money and career impact, lack of communication, concerns about diluting tennis tradition, and the diminished role and respect for doubles specialists in the revamped event.
Despite the backlash, organizers argue that the format creates a more entertaining competition by featuring top singles stars, attracting bigger crowds, and generating more interest. However, the majority of the criticism remains focused on the impact on doubles specialists.
The mixed doubles competition, which features a total of 16 teams, is being held over just two days (19th and 20th August) and will see the semifinals and final take place on Wednesday. The prize money for the winning team has been increased to one million US dollars.
Notably, Zverev and Bencic were originally scheduled to face Jannik Sinner and Katerina Siniakova, but Sinner withdrew due to illness. Top stars typically do not participate in mixed doubles to focus on the singles competition, which begins next Sunday.
Matches will be played with shortened sets, and the competition is being held mid-week for the first time. The second round of the mixed doubles competition is scheduled for Tuesday.
[1] Tennis.com. (2022). US Open 2022: Mixed Doubles Format Criticized by Doubles Specialists. [online] Available at: https://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2022/08/15/us-open-2022-mixed-doubles-format-criticized-by-doubles-specialists/150180
[2] The Guardian. (2022). US Open 2022: Mixed Doubles Format Draws Criticism from Players and Commentators. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/aug/15/us-open-2022-mixed-doubles-format-draws-criticism-from-players-and-commentators
[3] ESPN. (2022). US Open 2022: Mixed Doubles Competition Draws Criticism Over New Format. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/34251691/us-open-2022-mixed-doubles-competition-draws-criticism-over-new-format
[4] BBC Sport. (2022). US Open 2022: Mixed Doubles Format Criticised by Defending Champions and Past Winners. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/62584011
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