Carlos Alcaraz and others have been slammed by Kristina Mladenovic for US Open preparations, claiming "It's embarrassing"

The upcoming US Open mixed doubles event has already stirred up its fair share of controversy. The tournament, set to feature Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Emma Raducanu, has generated plenty of discussion — despite the fact it doesn’t take place until August 19th. Six-time women’s doubles and three-time mixed doubles Grand Slam champion Kristina Mladenovic has weighed in on the debate surrounding players who appear to be taking preparations for the event lightly.

The US Open organisers have shaken up the traditional mixed doubles format by scheduling the event before the singles competition. This change has prompted many of the sport’s top stars to enter. Alcaraz and Raducanu have teamed up in a highly anticipated pairing, while Djokovic is set to play alongside Olga Danilovic. Jannik Sinner has also formed a partnership with Emma Navarro.

Speaking about the mixed doubles format change, Alcaraz was full of praise for his partner, Emma Raducanu, and described the shake-up as an “amazing idea". He went on to express his enthusiasm for the event, saying it will be “really, really fun".

However, despite the recent French Open champion’s positive comments, not everyone shares his view. Kristina Mladenovic, a six-time women’s doubles and three-time mixed doubles Grand Slam champion, criticised Alcaraz’s approach, calling it “embarrassing" She argued that winning a mixed doubles Grand Slam title requires genuine commitment and deserves more respect from the players:

“The communication alone is bad. When you hear Alcaraz or others 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" Mladenovic said.

The Frenchwoman also acknowledged that while the tournament change might seem exciting, it could have negative long-term consequences for the sport — even suggesting it should no longer be considered a Grand Slam event:

“In terms of business strategy, it’s a brilliant idea. But from a sporting perspective, it’s problematic because it touches on the very essence of tennis. There’s no issue with holding such an event, but above all, don’t call it a Grand Slam”, she said.

Mladenovic is not the only doubles specialist to criticise the event. Two-time Grand Slam mixed doubles champion Jan Zieliński has also voiced concerns, calling the tournament more of an “exhibition” than a true Grand Slam competition.

While it’s unlikely that these comments will lead to any of the sport’s biggest names pulling out of the mixed doubles event, the debate certainly adds fuel to the discussion as the start date draws nearer.