At the Mubadala Citi DC Open, Taylor Townsend firmly defended the US Open’s new approach to its mixed doubles event, countering critics who resist change. Townsend, currently the WTA No. 2 doubles player, praised the initiative after advancing in singles and doubles at the WTA 500 tournament.
“I think most people are afraid of what they don’t understand, or they’re afraid of change, because it’s something we don’t understand because it’s never been done in the history of the sport,” Townsend commented.
She is listed as a potential competitor alongside American Ben Shelton, with whom she teamed to reach the US Open mixed doubles semifinals in 2023. Shelton, speaking at a Media Day press conference, called Townsend “the best mixed doubles player in the world, hands down,” and said he would only play if paired with her.
The revamped US Open mixed doubles format prioritizes teams based on combined singles rankings, complicating Townsend and Shelton’s entry unless awarded a wild card. The event, boasting $1 million in prize money for the champion team, will take place during the tournament’s Fan Week in a shortened scoring format, preceding the singles competition.
This overhaul has drawn criticism from notable players like Wimbledon mixed doubles champion Katerina Siniakova, who alongside ATP doubles No. 1 Marcelo Arevalo, may be excluded due to their lack of singles ranking. Siniakova said, “When two world No. 1s in doubles don’t get into the tournament, there’s probably nothing more to say about it.”
Despite the controversy, Townsend adopts an optimistic view about the event and the atmosphere it will create.
“The field is amazing, the players are spectacular, and I think it’s really cool to be able to do this during Fan Week and qualies week. You’re bringing an influx of fans, people, celebrities, all of these different energies to the tournament,” she explained.
Townsend, formerly a Top 50 singles player now ranked No. 97, expressed enthusiasm about reuniting with Shelton on court and encouraged an open mind toward the changes. She highlighted the addition of fan-focused activities such as Ashe Kid’s Day and kid’s clinics as promising enhancements to the event’s appeal and exposure.
“I’m really excited for the viewership and the exposure to the game in this way.”