The revamped US Open mixed-doubles event may not include proposed pairings featuring Nick Kyrgios and Alex de Minaur, but they could yet be offered places.
The qualifiers and six of the wildcards have been announced for the revamped mixed-doubles format, with two slots remaining open.
Kyrgios and Naomi Osaka were overlooked by US Open organisers, as were de Minaur and his fiancee, Katie Boulter.
Venus Williams, fresh from last week’s comeback after a year off the circuit, has been included as part of a wildcard pairing alongside fellow American Reilly Opelka.
Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz are also among the wildcard entries.
The remodelled 16-team mixed-doubles event is designed to attract the attention of fans, sponsors, television and social media.
De Minaur wins epic DC decider
Taking place in the Fan Week ahead of the main US Open, it has a short format and prize money lifted to $1.5 million.
Eight pairs qualify on the strength of their combined singles rankings.
The other eight are given wildcards by the US Tennis Association.
DC Open singles winner De Minaur, eighth on the ATP rankings, is the highest-ranked male player not included in the event at this stage.
One of the remaining slots could be on hold for Kyrgios to confirm his fitness.
After his comeback playing doubles with Gael Monfils at the DC Open in Washington last week, Kyrgios posted on social media that his knee was “cooked”, but he did complete the match.
Another slot may be kept open for women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka, who was set to be partnered with Grigor Dimitrov.
But Dimitrov sustained a pectoral muscle injury at Wimbledon when he was leading Jannik Sinner two sets to love in their men’s fourth-round match.
AAP
AloJapan.com