A fortnight out from Wimbledon, with All England Club defending champion Carlos Alcaraz beginning his grass-court campaign in the 27C sunshine at Queen’s Club, it is highly unusual for another grand slam to steal the limelight. Yet in New York, they don’t care what feathers they ruffle on the streets of Kensington or Southfields.
Earlier this year, the US Open announced a new-look mixed doubles tournament to take place in the week preceding the major. With a winning purse of $1m, top singles players have been encouraged to participate in a two-day, quick-scoring format. For the tradition of grand-slam tennis, it is quite the radical shake-up, while for doubles specialists, some reliant on the earnings of mixed tennis, it amounts to something close to a slap in the face.
