"If two world No. 1s don't get in, there's nothing more to say" Katerina Siniakova blasts new US Open Mixed Doubles entry system

Women's doubles world No. 1 Katerina Siniakova has criticized the new US Open mixed doubles format after failing to secure a direct entry, despite being partnered with men's doubles world No. 1 Marcelo Arevalo.

The US Open has revolutionized its mixed doubles event for 2025, completely redesigning the format and qualification system to generate more public attention. One key change includes a significant prize money increase to $1 million for the winning pair.

In a major departure from Grand Slam tradition, the tournament will now be played in the week prior to the main tournament's start, unlike its historical placement in parallel with the singles and doubles draws. Traditionally, mixed doubles typically began during the first weekend of the main tournament, leveraging fewer concurrent matches as singles draws narrowed down.

The draw has also been drastically reduced from the usual 32 pairs to just 16 teams. This new format heavily favors players who primarily compete in singles. Eight spots are secured through direct entry based on singles ranking, with the remaining eight allocated as wildcards for pairs who expressed their desire to participate.

Siniakova shared her strong criticisms in a recent interview with Canal+ Czechia. The Czech doubles world No. 1 is now left hoping for a wildcard, as her singles ranking of No. 86 (alongside Arévalo, who has no singles ranking) puts her far from direct entry contention.

Siniakova is arguably the most successful female doubles player of the last five years, having solidified her place in history as one of the all-time greats. She boasts 10 Grand Slam women's doubles titles, completing the Career Grand Slam, and also recently won Wimbledon mixed doubles. She has finished four seasons as world No. 1 and remains at the top in the Race rankings with Taylor Townsend, with a strong possibility of ending the year at No. 1 for the fifth time.

However, none of these achievements guarantee her a spot in the US Open Mixed Doubles. "There's a small chance of getting a wildcard. If we don't even get that, then honestly, I have nothing more to add. I think if mixed doubles is played at a Grand Slam and two world No. 1 doubles players don't get in, there's nothing more to say," the 29-year-old Czech lamented in the interview.

Among the first confirmed pairs, who by current ranking are expected to secure direct entry, are Emma Navarro and Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka and Grigor Dimitrov, and Iga Świątek with Casper Ruud.

However, the initial announcement also included several pairs who are considered to have "guaranteed" wildcards based on prior discussions and tournament offers, despite the official entry list not being 100% determined yet. These include Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz, Naomi Osaka with Nick Kyrgios, and Olga Danilović with Novak Djokovic.

Consequently, there are only a few wildcard spots left for confirmation, with 25 pairs having inscribed their names so far – even considering a couple of withdrawals since the initial announcement.

Teams have until July 28 for any final ranking changes to occur. Only then will the remaining wildcards be announced, and it appears there might not be much room for additional doubles specialists. The reigning champions, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, are the only doubles specialists believed to have an assured spot, as 2024 defenders and recent French Open mixed doubles champions. Out of the 25 inscribed pairs, only four include two doubles specialists.