Coco Gauff to skip U.S. Open mixed doubles: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner could be next
The US Open at Flushing Meadows begins next week but some players are expected to sit out the doubles event.
This year’s US Open brings a revamped version of the mixed doubles tournament, with big-name players pairing up to compete for the prize.
From the WTA Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu are all involved, while Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are set to take part from the ATP. But not everyone has opted in to compete in the new-look tournament.
French Open champion Coco Gauff has not decided to take part in the event, which will be played across Tuesday, August 19 and Wednesday, August 20 at Flushing Meadows. When asked why she was not taking part, she pointed to the busy schedule at the end of the season.
“For me, it was just because I know the free week of the US Open is already packed for me, for sponsor things, and it was just like a whole other thing. And I’m very competitive. If I were to lose, I would not be happy,” Gauff said. “So, I didn’t want to waste mental energy on that.”
“Then on top of the sponsor stuff, the pre-week, and then knowing that this finished on Monday and potentially having to play on Tuesday. Well, you would have to play on a Tuesday. So I just knew it wasn’t going to work out for me, scheduling-wise.”
As it stands she is probably the most high-profile player to skip the tournament. However there is still the chance that others may decide to sit out the event.
Tennis365 reports that Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner may be forced to make a difficult decision if they go all the way at this week’s Cincinnati Masters. The final of that tournament is on Monday and the US Open doubles competition begins the following day in New York.
It would not be impossible but it would be a very taxing start to the Grand Slam tournament for either man, both of whom will be hoping to add another important trophy to their collection.
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