Mixed Doubles in the Spotlight: Australia Open Rejects US Open’s Radical Changes
Australian Open Rebuffs US Open’s Mixed Doubles Overhaul
The Australian Open has ruled out following the US Open’s decision to radically revamp the mixed doubles competition, citing the popularity of the event at the opening Grand Slam of the year. The move by the US Open, announced on Tuesday, aims to entice more singles players to mixed doubles, potentially limiting opportunities for doubles specialists.
Defending Champions Sound the Alarm
Defending US Open mixed doubles champions, Italians Sara Errani (right) and Andrea Vavassori, have called the changes a "profound injustice." Their concerns are echoed by Australian former doubles world No 1 Paul McNamee, who believes the changes devalue the title.
Tennis Australia’s Stance
Tennis Australia has stated that it has no plans to follow suit, emphasizing the importance of mixed doubles as a fantastic showcase for tennis and an opportunity for men and women to compete alongside and against each other. The organization believes that promoting men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles is a key priority, but it has no plans to change the current format of the mixed doubles championship at the Australian Open.
US Open’s "Groundbreaking" Move
The US Open’s decision to make mixed doubles a standalone event in the week leading up to the main draw has been met with criticism. The event will feature 16 teams, with eight earning direct entry based on their combined singles ranking and eight wildcard entrants. Each match will be best-of-three sets, but with sets abbreviated to first to four games, and no-advantage scoring, tiebreakers at four-all, and a 10-point match tiebreak in lieu of a third set.
Finals Format
The final will be best of three sets to six games, but also featuring no-advantage, tiebreaks at six-all, and a 10-point match tiebreaker instead of a third set.
Australian Open’s Focus on Job Opportunities and Prize Money
Tennis Australia’s statement highlights its focus on creating more job opportunities for players, providing more competition on the biggest stage, and increasing prize money. The organization believes that its whole summer of tennis, culminating with the Australian Open, is about elevating the sport, and while promoting men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles is a key priority, it has no plans to change the current format of the mixed doubles championship.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the US Open’s mixed doubles overhaul has sparked a heated debate in the tennis world. While some believe the changes will bring new life to the event, others fear it will devalue the title and limit opportunities for doubles specialists. The Australian Open’s decision to reject the US Open’s changes demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the mixed doubles competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the US Open decide to overhaul the mixed doubles competition?
A: To entice more singles players to mixed doubles, potentially limiting opportunities for doubles specialists.
Q: What is the format of the new mixed doubles competition at the US Open?
A: The event will feature 16 teams, with eight earning direct entry based on their combined singles ranking and eight wildcard entrants. Each match will be best-of-three sets, but with sets abbreviated to first to four games.
Q: Will the Australian Open follow suit in changing its mixed doubles format?
A: No, Tennis Australia has no plans to change the current format of the mixed doubles championship at the Australian Open.