US Open's new mixed doubles format draws criticism from doubles pros

The U.S. Open's plan to make its mixed doubles championship a smaller, shorter event aimed at persuading top singles players to compete was criticized Tuesday by doubles specialists who figure to get shut out of the new format.

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The 16-team competition will award half the spots to teams based on the players' singles rankings, which means players such as 2024 champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori likely are hoping for one of the eight wild cards as their only hope to win the $1 million prize.

The Italian duo wrote in an Instagram post that the decision to replace the traditional tournament with a "pseudo-exhibition focused only on entertainment and show" was a "profound injustice" that disrespected "an entire category of players."

"We don't know at the moment if we'll have the chance to defend our title, but we hope this will remain an isolated case and this type of policy will not be considered again in the future." they wrote.

The plan announced Tuesday calls for mixed doubles to be contested on Aug. 19 and 20, during the week when the qualifying rounds for men's and women's singles are being held.

Main draw play in singles begins on Aug. 24, ensuring that the sport's biggest stars, many of whom have long passed on doubles to keep themselves fresh for singles, wouldn't have an overcrowded schedule.