Carlos Alcaraz ‘embarrassing' comments called out after agreeing Emma Raducanu partnership
Carlos Alcaraz 'embarrassing' comments called out after agreeing Emma Raducanu partnership
Carlos Alcaraz is one of a number of tennis stars who has been criticised for his comments about the upcoming mixed-doubles event at the US Open
Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu will play at the US Open together
(Image: Tim Clayton, Corbis via Getty Images )
Carlos Alcaraz has come under scrutiny for sharing his enthusiasm about the new mixed-doubles format at the US Open.
The 22-year-old, who is currently world No. 2 in the ATP rankings and boasts five Grand Slam titles, will partner with Emma Raducanu at the event scheduled for August 19 and 20 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Alcaraz shared his thoughts about the event, saying: "I'm super excited about it.
"I think it's going to be great. It was an amazing idea for the tournament. I will try to bring my doubles skills. We will try to win, but obviously it's going to be really, really fun."
Despite his achievements and positive outlook, Alcaraz has not been immune to criticism. Kristina Mladenovic, a 2013 Wimbledon doubles champion and three-time US Open finalist, has voiced her disapproval of the new setup - calling out Alcaraz and other players for their eagerness towards their preparations while questioning the absence of doubles specialists, reports the Mirror US.
The French player, 32, told Eurosport: "When you hear participants say they're going to have fun while preparing for the US Open, it's embarrassing. A Grand Slam is neither preparation nor fun. It's years of sacrifice.
"When you're little, you dream of winning one, even in doubles. You don't want to see your sport turn into a gigantic spectacle, even if it will indeed bring in a lot of money."
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She added: "From a sporting point of view, it's problematic because it touches on the essence of tennis. A Grand Slam is a competition steeped in history, in singles and doubles. And now, all of a sudden, the doubles becomes a super exhibition without anyone or anything having a say. There's no problem putting on such an event, but above all, don't call it a Grand Slam!"
Kristina Mladenovic has picked a problem with the US Open's new format
(Image: 2024 Getty Images )
Edouard Roger-Vasselin also shared his irritation with how the changes had been introduced. He added: "Nobody was consulted, that's what's most scary. Personally, I found out a week before it came out in the media, via an internal press release.
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"That people would rather see Carlos Alcaraz play than me, that's obvious. But the form is a bit shocking. The moral, once again, is that the Grand Slams really do what they want. Touching mixed doubles, for most people, is perhaps not a big deal. But what's the next step?"
The victors are poised to pocket £727,000 this year - a significant increase from last year's mixed doubles champions who took home £145k - and Alcaraz is keen to triumph on the American courts with British sensation Raducanu. However, the formidable pair aren't the only high-profile duo participating in the tournament.
Jannik Sinner will join forces with Emma Navarro, whilst 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic will partner with Olga Danilovic. Aryna Sabalenka will team up with Grigor Dimitrov and Daniil Medvedev will play alongside Mirra Andreeva.
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