Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur have been rather vocal about their desire to play in the US Open’s new mixed doubles tournament this year.
In what is a landmark event, comprised of some of tennis’ biggest stars, they have forged some of the most unlikely partnerships, with the winning team guaranteed a £1m prize pot.
For just two days of competing, it is an additional tournament worth entering.
And whilst the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek will all be taking part, some notable names have been omitted.
Coco Gauff, for example, has chosen not to participate. Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur, meanwhile, were not offered a spot.
Katie Boulter’s US Open preparation confirmed
De Minaur has openly asked the US Open for a wild card spot on a number of occasions, highlighting his desire to play in the event.
His argument is a fair one, stating that his potential partnership with Boulter makes more sense given that they are engaged to be married.
Some teams, like Sinner and Emma Navarro before the latter’s withdrawal, had never spoken before. It was a valid claim.
However, it now seems that their calls have fallen on deaf ears, and Boulter in particular has moved on.
After all, during the US Open’s fan week, when this mixed doubles event is being held, she has now accepted a wildcard to play at an alternative WTA event in Cleveland.
This marks her final event before the final Grand Slam of the year, rounding off her preparation after an unsettling run of form across the North American hard-court swing of the tour.
Who are the final confirmed partnerships for the US Open mixed doubles?
Naturally, Alcaraz’s union with Raducanu is the most eye-catching of the bunch, given all the intrigue their friendly relationship has brought over the last few weeks.
In fact, Raducanu reacted to questions about her relationship very recently, describing some of the reporting as ‘terrible’.
Elsewhere, there are all-American teams consisting of Reilly Opelka and Venus Williams, Ben Shelton and Taylor Townsend and Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe.
Jack Draper has finally settled with Jessica Pegula, whilst Iga Swiatek will join forces with Casper Ruud.
These are just the highlights of those who will be taking part, with three more teams still to be announced.
