Zverev and Bencic commence mixed doubles competition in US Open earlier than anticipated
The US Open 2022 mixed doubles tournament has sparked controversy, with criticism centering on radical changes that disadvantage doubles specialists.
The event, held mid-week before the main draw and over just two days (19 and 20 August), has been shortened and the draw reduced, limiting opportunities for doubles specialists to participate and succeed. This has been seen as a “profound injustice” by defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who were the only doubles specialist team in the draw and were critical of the format change.
The new selection process emphasizes combined singles rankings and wild cards, effectively excluding established doubles pairs except for a few. This has upset many dedicated doubles players, who argue that the new format deprives them of a chance to compete for career-significant Grand Slam titles and prize money, as the event was moved to coincide with qualifying weeks, making it harder for doubles players to enter and be competitive.
Former players and champions have labeled the event a “super exhibition” or “pseudo-exhibition” rather than a true Grand Slam competition, contesting its official Grand Slam status despite organizers' confirmation. On the other hand, US Open organizers aim to boost popularity and viewership by involving top singles players to create a bigger stage for mixed doubles, which draws larger audiences and fills Arthur Ashe Stadium.
However, this goal conflicts with the traditional doubles specialists' interests, as top stars typically do not participate in mixed doubles to focus on the singles event, which begins next Sunday. Matches are played with shortened sets and held in the main stadiums, but this has not been enough to appease the critics.
One of the most high-profile casualties of the new format was Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic, a pair that won Olympic gold in 2021. They lost their mixed doubles match at the US Open in the first round to the American team of Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison with a score of 0:4, 3:5. Zverev, the world No. 3, was playing in the Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York, but struggled with physical issues he had faced at the Cincinnati Masters 1000 tournament and made numerous unforced errors during their match.
The original opponents of Zverev and Bencic, Jannik Sinner and Katerina Siniakova, did not play due to Sinner's withdrawal a few hours after retiring from the Cincinnati final against Carlos Alcaraz. The prize money for the winning team has been increased to one million US dollars, but this has done little to assuage the concerns of the doubles specialists.
In summary, the mixed doubles format at the US Open 2022 has been criticized for marginalizing doubles specialists, reducing their competitive and financial opportunities, and challenging the traditional sporting integrity of the event, while organizers prioritize spectator appeal and commercial strategy.
