Jessica Pegula Advocates for Dialogue in US Open Mixed Doubles Format Change

World number four Jessica Pegula expressed her support for the revamped mixed doubles event at the U.S. Open, while emphasizing the need for better communication between tournament organizers and players. The mixed doubles competition, which will take place on August 19-20, 2023, has been redesigned to attract more spectators and will feature a total prize purse of $1 million.

The tournament announced significant format changes, reducing the field from 32 teams to 16. This new structure includes eight entries based on the combined singles rankings of the players and eight wild cards. Matches will now adopt a best-of-three sets format, with each set played to four games, employing no-advantage scoring and tiebreakers at four-all. A 10-point tiebreak will replace a third set, while the final will be contested as a best-of-three sets match to six games.

Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori criticized the changes, labeling them a “profound injustice” to doubles players. In light of this, Pegula, who serves on the WTA Player Council, underscored the importance of dialogue between players and organizers regarding significant alterations to the event.

“I’m honoured that they asked me to play. It’s going to be great, it’s going to be fun, and the fans will really enjoy it,” Pegula stated at the ongoing Cincinnati Open. She added that the abrupt changes left many players feeling sidelined: “We were like, Okay, you guys went rogue and changed the format and didn’t tell anybody. You just did it.”

Pegula highlighted the necessity for player feedback in shaping the event’s format, expressing concern over the potential fallout. “Did you talk to the players? Did you get their input about how it could be better? That’s something that we as players are trying to work with them on,” she remarked.

Despite the controversy, the U.S. Open maintains that the reimagined event will enhance the visibility of mixed doubles and inspire greater participation in the sport. Pegula’s participation alongside fellow American Tommy Paul will see them face off against notable pairs, including Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, as well as Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro.

The decision to limit the number of teams has raised concerns regarding the impact on earnings for doubles players. “It’s not good when you have players saying they’re upset that now they can’t play, or that it’s a way for them to make money and now they don’t have that,” Pegula noted.

While the upcoming mixed doubles event promises to be an exciting addition to the U.S. Open lineup, Pegula’s call for improved communication reflects a broader concern among players about their involvement in the decision-making process. As the tournament approaches, the hope remains that ongoing dialogue will lead to a more inclusive and beneficial experience for all participants.