Holders slam USO mixed dubs kick in the gut

The reigning US Open mixed doubles champions are kicked off the pushback over a plan by the Grand Slam to gut their event and reduce it to just two days for the upcoming summer edition.

Italian holders Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani slammed the move by organisers, saying the plan to halve the field to a bare-minimum 16 teams and stage the competition over a couple of days prior to the actual start of the Open during qualifying rounds is a giant slap in the face to players.

The controversial plan has been labelled a “money grab” and has so far faced universal condemnation in the tennis world, with players and coaches not even consulted.

Vavassori and Erani let loose in a statement:

“In our opinion making decisions just following the logic of profit is profoundly wrong in some situations.

“Last year, to win the US Open together was one of the greatest moments in our careers. We felt unbelievable warmth and support from the Italian fans and that made us really happy.

“Mixed doubles is not very well known, that’s true, but everything that’s part of a Slam competition – the history behind every single result – is unique and it’s a great honour to become part of it.

But the Italian pair are not the only players complaining. 

France’s three-time mixed Grand Slam winner Kristina Mladenovic called the move “terribly shocking news.”

.“Doing that just to sell more money during the first week of the event. Making it look like an exhibition for whoever wants to play!,“ she posted on social media.

“Coming back the following year and seeing your names engraved in the trophy board is one of the most special feelings in our sport. You realise that you will forever be remembered as a small part of this important tournament.”

In addition to trivialising the event, some rules will also be changed by New York bosses.

Instead of a decisive third set, matches will be determined by a first-to-10-point tiebreak; prize money, though, has been increased from USD 200,000 to 1 million by way of some compensation.

Main photo:- Kristina Mladenovic slams US Open officials Mixed doubles decision