Former doubles world number one Kristina Mladenovic has launched a scathing attack on Carlos Alcaraz's approach to the US Open 2025's revamped mixed doubles tournament, branding his comments "embarrassing".
The French player, who has won nine Grand Slam doubles titles including three in mixed doubles, took particular issue with Alcaraz's statement that he would be playing the event for "fun" whilst preparing for the singles competition.
"When you hear Alcaraz or others say they're going to have fun while preparing for the US Open, it's embarrassing," Mladenovic told Eurosport France. "A Grand Slam is neither preparation nor fun. It's years of sacrifice."
The US Open has dramatically restructured its mixed doubles tournament for 2025, moving the competition to the pre-tournament fan week from 19-20 August.
Kristina Mladenovic believes Carlos Alcaraz's comments ahead of the mixed doubles tournament are 'embarrassing'
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The new format features 16 teams competing in shortened matches with best-of-three sets, first-to-four games, and a 10-point tiebreak replacing the third set.
The tournament's $1 million prize money for winners has successfully attracted tennis' biggest names.
Alcaraz has partnered with Emma Raducanu in the most anticipated pairing, whilst world number one Jannik Sinner teams with Emma Navarro.
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Carlos Alcaraz will be partnering with Emma Raducanu at the US Open this September
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Novak Djokovic will compete alongside Olga Danilovic, with other top-ranked players including Iga Swiatek also entering the revamped event.
Mladenovic acknowledged the commercial appeal of the format change whilst condemning its sporting implications.
"In terms of business strategy, it's a brilliant idea," she said.
"It guarantees the US Open a much more lucrative third week in terms of ticket sales, on-site consumption, and, I imagine, TV rights.
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"From a sporting point of view, it's problematic because it touches on the essence of tennis. A Grand Slam is a competition steeped in history, in singles and doubles.
"There's no problem putting on such an event, but above all, don't call it a Grand Slam."
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Carlos Alcaraz is looking to win his third consecutive Wimbledon title next month
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Mladenovic's stance reflects her extensive doubles career, having achieved the world No 1 ranking in doubles and securing six women's doubles Grand Slam titles alongside her three mixed doubles triumphs.
Her criticism has found support from other doubles specialists.
Two-time Grand Slam mixed doubles champion Jan Zielinski has echoed her concerns, describing the tournament as more of an "exhibition" than a legitimate Grand Slam competition.
When asked about his partnership with Raducanu at Queen's, though, Alcaraz had expressed enthusiasm for the event.
"I'm super excited about it," the 22-year-old said. "I think it's going to be great. It was an amazing idea for the tournament."
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