Emma Raducanu has called for other Grand Slam tournaments to follow the US Open's controversial lead in reformatting their mixed doubles competitions. The British player partnered with Carlos Alcaraz in this year's revamped event and believes the experiment was a resounding success.
"I think it would be so fun if all the slams got involved and did something similar, even if it was not the exact same format," Raducanu said. "I think it was a huge success. I think so many fans got involved, so many people watching and tuned in."
Format revolution sparks debate
The US Open made significant changes to its mixed doubles championship this year, moving it from the main draw to qualifying week. The tournament also shifted entry criteria to heavily favour singles players over traditional doubles specialists.
Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori won the championship as the only traditional doubles pair allowed entry. According to reports, prize money increased five-fold from the previous year to $1 million for the winners, reflecting the tournament's commitment to the new format.
Traditional resistance emerges
The changes face resistance from tennis's traditional institutions. Reports suggest Wimbledon has not altered its mixed doubles format since 1913 and shows no appetite for change, highlighting the divide between innovation and tradition.
The prize money gap between singles and doubles at Grand Slams exceeds a 90:10 ratio, according to industry analysis. This disparity underscores why format changes targeting singles players have gained traction among tournament organisers.
Personal redemption at US Open
Raducanu returns to the venue of her stunning 2021 triumph in vastly different circumstances. She admitted the past few years have been extremely difficult following the pressure and expectations after her breakthrough victory.
"I'd say I do feel very different to 2022," she said. "I really struggled when I came back in 2022. I didn't enjoy coming back here. I think now is the first time that I feel like I can come back to the US Open and really enjoy the memories."
Building momentum with new coach
The tournament marks Raducanu's first Grand Slam with new coach Francisco Roig, who was part of Rafael Nadal's team during all 22 of the Spaniard's major titles. Raducanu has gained confidence from consistently high performances this summer, including pushing world number one Aryna Sabalenka to a third-set tie-break in Cincinnati.
Her ranking of 35 places her just one spot short of US Open seeding. She begins her campaign against a qualifier, having gradually rebuilt her ranking through numerous match victories this season.
Breakthrough continues for Jones
Meanwhile, Fran Jones continued her remarkable run by defeating Arianne Hartono 6-2, 6-4 to qualify for the main draw without dropping a set. The 24-year-old, who has Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia and was born with a thumb and three fingers on each hand, recently broke into the top 100 and achieved a career-high ranking of 84.
Sources used: "Guardian", "Independent", "Daily Mail", "Mirror" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
