Wimbledon-winning coach predicts top tennis stars will withdraw from US Open mixed doubles event due to backlash

The organizers of the US Open announced they would be implementing a new format in the mixed doubles event, which will now feature more top-ranked singles players from the ATP and WTA Tours. After several superstars announced their participation, British coach Barry Fulcher believes there will be a massive withdrawal due to the negative reaction from fans to the new changes.

The new mixed doubles event will see several traditional doubles players miss out on a significant payday as several spots will now be reserved for top-ranked singles players. Furthermore, the event will feature a lesser number of games and will be held over a few days prior to the commencement of the singles tournament.

Top stars from both the ATP and WTA had previously announced their participation at the US Open mixed doubles events, with teams ranging from former champions Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, to Polish superstar Iga Swiatek and former Roland Garros runner-up Casper Ruud. However, fan reaction has ranged from mixed to negative, as many in the tennis community are opposed to doubles players being stripped of an opportunity to compete at one of the biggest Grand Slam events of the season.

Having coached British duo Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool to the 2025 men's doubles Wimbledon title, Barry Fulcher is heavily invested in the doubles aspect of the game. The Brit believes several superstars will look to protect their image from backlash and withdraw from the mixed doubles event at Flushing Meadows.

"This exhibition event will be great fun, but it is not a Grand Slam and it shouldn’t be viewed as such," began Fulcher. "It’s not just about the prize money and more about removing a mixed doubles Grand Slam opportunity. My own personal view, it is all just posturing at the moment and I will be fascinated to see how many of those 16 pairings that were announced a few weeks ago will turn up and play.

“I’d be very, very surprised if a lot of those pairs end up taking to the court and the only reason they would release that list is to get everyone talking about it. It’s almost like they have put their names down, but there is no obligation to play. I’m a fan of innovation and trying to bring new things into tennis, but I don’t agree with calling it a Grand Slam event."