Mixed doubles fault at US Open?

The event won't have traditional mixed doubles, instead will have a standalone competition.

- Shahid Judge

MUMBAI: For a few years, tennis has looked at ways to make doubles more popular. On Tuesday, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) put out a statement announcing a major revamp of the mixed doubles event at this season's US Open.

The changes aim to arrest dwindling attendance numbers for doubles matches. However, they have created a stir among the doubles specialists.

"In our opinion making decisions just following the logic of profit is profoundly wrong in some situations," last year's US Open mixed doubles champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori said in a joint statement. "(The) US Open mixed doubles tournament will be completely turned upside down, cancelled and replaced with a pseudo-exhibition focused only on entertainment and show."

Traditionally, the mixed doubles event in all four Grand Slams are played through the two-week period of that Major. But at this year's US Open, mixed doubles will be a two-day event on August 19 and 20, with the main draw singles matches started on August 24.