The US Open still haven’t addressed the major issue with the new mixed doubles event as entry list is released

Who is your pick to win the US Open men’s singles title?

Singles ‘stars’ take priority over traditional doubles/mixed doubles players.

Some had hoped the US Open would learn their lesson after receiving backlash 12 months ago, but it doesn’t look like much has changed.

Only two traditional doubles teams have been accepted into the US Open event

Last year, many doubles players called out the US Open, as their re-imagined event only found space for one traditional team, the defending champions, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori.

Unsurprisingly, doubles players around the world rallied behind the Italian duo, who, against all odds, defended their title.

Errani and Vavassori will return to try and win a third consecutive US Open title this year, but only one other ‘doubles team’ look set to join them.

Doubles number ones Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten have entered the tournament.

Now, there are more teams to be announced, although it’s unclear how many doubles stars will be able to compete.

US Open mixed doubles format explained

• When the entry window closes on August 17, the top six teams by combined singles rankings will be accepted into the main draw
• A further eight teams will be determined via wild cards
• Two teams will earn main draw entries through the qualifying event, which consists of six direct entries and two wild cards

And judging by how the US Open has treated doubles players since restructuring the event, you fear any traditional pairs will be forced to qualify, rather than receiving direct entry via wild cards.

The promotion of the mixed doubles event also leaves a sour taste in the mouth if you’re a fan of doubles.

Announcing the entry list, the four teams pictured were Novak Djokovic/Aryna Sabalenka, Casper Ruud/Iga Swiatek, Jack Draper/Jessica Pegula, and Leylah Fernandez/Frances Tiafoe.

Why not promote Errani and Vavassori, your two-time defending champions, in one of those four spots?

Instead, they’re buried near the bottom of the list.

The US Open deserves some credit for thinking outside the box with the mixed doubles event, bringing more eyes to the game, but if it’s at the expense of the players who have dedicated their lives to the discipline, then is it really worth it?

There was an opportunity to find a middle ground this year, matching up the singles stars against world-class doubles players, but unless the next batch of entries surprise us, we’ll be left wondering what could have been.

What did Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori say after winning the US Open last year?

Flying the flag for doubles, Errani and Vavassori did themselves proud at Flushing Meadows last year, winning their second US Open title.

During their post-match press conference, Vavassori shared his thoughts on the future of mixed doubles.

“I think these two days will be really important for doubles in the future because we show that doubles players are great players. I think this product can grow in the future. There were so many legends in the past that played doubles,” said Vavassori.

“I was speaking with John McEnroe in the locker room. He said to me, ‘You’re doing something good for doubles.’ So I think it will be really important in the future to know that it’s a product that can grow. With better marketing can become something better.

“I think the initiative is something good for the sport. But in the future we have to give the best doubles players [opportunities] to compete.”

They were also asked if they had expected an invite to compete.

“Not really. Not really. I was not believing on it. We were waiting. We didn’t know. Was tough. For me was more no than yes,” said Errani.

“Actually, I don’t think that if we didn’t do the statement, we would have played this tournament, honestly.

“I think it was important for us to play. Like, I have to say the initiative was also important because it was really a statement that doubles can become something better. The stadium was packed,” added Vavassori.