US Open mixed doubles draw reshuffles as organizers deny Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter’s wildcard bid and Nick Kyrgios withdraws from a high-profile Osaka pairing
The US Open has released a rebuilt mixed doubles draw amid controversy over the event’s remodelled format and a flurry of withdrawals. Aussie world No. 8 Alex de Minaur had publicly pleaded for a wildcard to team with fiancée Katie Boulter, but tournament organisers rejected the request. Separately, Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of his proposed pairing with Naomi Osaka, casting doubt on his participation in the singles at this year’s Grand Slam.
With Kyrgios absent, the field has tightened its focus on the remaining players. De Minaur’s bid would have made him the highest-ranked man in the field, but his wildcard request via social media was denied as the draw was finalised. The withdrawals opened up space for new combinations, leaving Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper as the top seeds after their originally planned partners pulled out.
Other notable changes include Draper set to partner Paula Badosa and Pegula paired with Tommy Paul. Kyrgios’ knee issues, which he has noted as “cooked” after years of injuries, have kept him away from doubles duty this year.
In a separate reshuffle, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner feature in new doubles pairings. Alcaraz is listed with Emma Raducanu, while Sinner is scheduled to partner with Katerina Siniakova. The Czech doubles No.2 has replaced Emma Navarro as partner for the world No.1 in singles, though whether Alcaraz will be fit to compete remains to be seen. The draw also confirms Monfils has stepped in to partner Osaka after Kyrgios’ withdrawal, continuing a recent on-court collaboration between the two.
Another eye-catching pairing is Venus Williams and Reilly Opelka, who are among the eight wildcard entrants. The remaining eight pairings are determined by combined singles rankings, which is why Draper and Pegula sit as the top seeds. The event’s changed format continues to be a talking point: prize money has risen to $1 million, but sets are shortened—four games to win a set, no-ad scoring, and 10-point match tiebreaks in lieu of a third set. This approach has drawn criticism from some doubles specialists.
Last year’s champions, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, have dismissed the new format as a “pseudo-exhibition focused only on entertainment and show” that could marginalise doubles players. Errani and Vavassori were granted a wildcard and will open their campaign against No. 2 seeds Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz.
The mixed doubles draw is set to begin on Tuesday local time, and more withdrawals remain a possibility as players acclimate to the revamped event.
What this means for fans and players
– The new format aims to boost entertainment and television appeal, but critics argue it may reduce traditional doubles strategy and depth.
– With several top names out or moved into unfamiliar pairings, fans can expect a field that features a mix of seasoned doubles specialists and high-profile singles stars testing chemistry in a faster-paced, spectacle-driven setup.
– For De Minaur and Boulter, the denial removes a popular romance-on-court storyline, but the field remains rich with potential surprises and compelling matchups.
Summary
The US Open’s revamped mixed doubles event has shuffled partnerships, with De Minaur’s wildcard request denied and Kyrgios withdrawing from Osaka. The draw showcases a blend of wildcard entrants and new pairings, alongside a controversial scoring format and increased prize money, positioning the event as a high-drama, fan-focused spectacle with potential for surprising results.
A hopeful note
Despite controversy around the format, the mix of star power and bold pairings could deliver entertaining, fast-paced doubles action that draws new audiences to the doubles game, while offering compelling storylines for both seasoned followers and casual fans.