Bopanna Slams US Open Over ‘Discriminatory’ Mixed Doubles Rules
2 months ago | 5 Views
Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna has criticized the newly revised mixed doubles format of the U.S. Open, asserting that it is not merely a change in rules but a strategy that alienates a generation of Indian tennis enthusiasts. Bopanna, a distinguished doubles player on the global circuit, akin to former icons Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sania Mirza, expressed that the updated format effectively marginalizes India from competitive opportunities in the mixed doubles event.
The U.S. Open has announced that the mixed doubles competition, which will feature a $1 million prize for the winners, is set to take place on August 19-20, just prior to the main singles draw. The competition's structure has been significantly altered, reducing the number of participating teams from 32 to 16.
Additionally, the qualification criteria have been modified, with eight teams gaining direct entry based on their combined singles rankings rather than their combined doubles rankings. The remaining eight teams will be selected through wild-card entries. The U.S. Open stated that these changes were inspired by the success of the 'Mixed Madness' exhibition event held before last year's tournament, which showcased several prominent singles players in team formats.
This decision has faced considerable backlash from doubles players around the world. Bopanna, a former world number one in doubles, indicated that this change could have profound consequences for the future of Indian tennis.
"India has historically achieved its Grand Slam success in doubles, with figures like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Sania Mirza, and myself serving as inspirations for many generations," Bopanna remarked in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda.
The decision to limit participation in the 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles to only singles-ranked players effectively excludes India from the competition, depriving millions of Indian fans of the opportunity to witness their nation's representation on one of tennis's most prestigious platforms. This ruling not only affects our elite athletes but also stifles the ambitions of numerous young sports enthusiasts who aspire to uphold India's legacy in Grand Slam tennis. The inability of Indian doubles players to compete undermines the very essence of our tennis culture, making the pursuit of future Grand Slam triumphs increasingly challenging.
Bopanna further articulated that the exclusion of Indian players from the US Open mixed doubles could adversely affect the tournament's viewership in India, thereby hindering the sport's popularity and development.
"For many years, Indian tennis has flourished in the doubles arena, offering a viable route to international acclaim despite limited infrastructure and resources for singles training. This alteration in policy effectively closes that avenue, compelling players into a singles-focused framework that has historically posed challenges for India. The absence of Indian representation in Grand Slams will directly impact the growth of tennis viewership and participation in the country, which in turn could jeopardize sponsorships, funding, and the overall advancement of the sport," Bopanna remarked.
"The new regulations of the US Open threaten to alienate an entire generation of Indian fans who watch not only to see global icons but also to support one of their own in the quest for a Grand Slam title. When a nation is deprived of its best opportunity for international success, the repercussions extend beyond the current players. It diminishes the aspirations of every young Indian who dreams of competing on that global stage. This is not merely a policy adjustment; it represents a significant setback for the future of Indian tennis."
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