Day 1 of the revamped mixed doubles event at the US Open has come to a close, with all four teams featuring doubles specialists losing to full-time singles players.
The biggest upset of the day saw Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev take out two-time US Open mixed doubles defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, saving a match point in the process. This result has made the tournament feel wide open, with every remaining team now having a chance to add a mixed doubles Slam title to their resume, along with a cool $1 million in prize money.
Meanwhile, Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz took out Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool in a spectacular sight for fans in attendance and those watching from afar. The match was Alcaraz's first competitive outing since he picked up a wrist injury in April, and he was broken in the very first game. However, both Williams and Alcaraz steadily increased their levels as the match progressed, with Williams leading the way with her incredible serving and opportunistic returning.
The match of the day was Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils taking out the world's No. 1-ranked doubles players, Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten. The match went to a final-set tiebreak, featuring arguably the point of the tournament. It was a close contest throughout, with both of the first two sets also going to tiebreaks.
The transition to the new mixed doubles format last year raised plenty of eyebrows, with many fans and doubles players feeling it was disrespectful to the history of doubles tennis. However, last year's tournament seemed to vindicate the decision, with packed crowds and record prize money and attendance numbers. This year's results have further backed up that sentiment, with all specialist doubles teams falling to players who usually do not compete regularly in doubles.
The debate over whether this format is still the right direction for the future will continue, but the economics and results both support the tournament's decision. The fact that the combined 30-time singles Major-winning team of Williams and Alcaraz dominated their match, despite Alcaraz's early nerves, is a testament to the talent of the singles players in the competition.
As the semifinals approach, fans are eagerly awaiting the next round of matches. The fact that all four teams remaining have a chance to add a mixed doubles Slam title to their resume has added an extra layer of excitement to the competition. With the prize money and prestige of the US Open at stake, the remaining teams will be looking to give it their all in the semifinals.
Source: Yahoo Sports