Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

11-Time Grand Slam Champion Katerina Siniakova Snubbed From US Open Mixed Doubles 2025 – Backlash Grows Against Revamped Format

Katerina Siniakova’s shock removal from the US Open Mixed Doubles 2025 sparks backlash.

Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

Katerina Siniakova, one of the most accomplished doubles players of her era, was shockingly removed from the US Open mixed doubles draw after Jannik Sinner withdrew due to illness. Instead of being offered a replacement partner, the reigning Australian Open doubles champion and Wimbledon mixed doubles titleholder was left sidelined. While Ryan Harrison and Danielle Collins took their spot, eventually defeating Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic. The decision left fans and fellow players questioning the tournament’s priorities and its treatment of top doubles specialists.

Katerina Siniakova doesn't have a partner because Jannik Sinner was forced to withdraw from the US Open Mixed Doubles event.

Instead of repairing her with a different partner, they replaced her entirely. She skipped Cleveland to play this event.

Her resume:

– 11 Grand Slam… pic.twitter.com/2EBtT9Yo6l
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 19, 2025

Reimagined Grand Slam Left Specialists Behind

The 2025 US Open mixed doubles event had already departed from traditional rules. Typically, a pair is eliminated if one player withdraws. This year, however, organizers revamped the format to spotlight single stars, boost fan engagement, and increase prize money.

While exceptions could have been made, Siniakova was not offered the chance to continue with a new partner. The decision came despite her opting out of the Cleveland tournament to prepare for New York, leaving her unable to compete for a title and a significantly increased prize purse.

Katerina Siniakova, who's applied for a wildcard to get into the US Open mixed doubles event, had this to say:

"When two world number ones in doubles don't get into the tournament, there's probably nothing more to say about it." pic.twitter.com/prRSPJLBoG
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 22, 2025

Siniakova’s credentials are unquestionable. An Olympic gold medalist in both women’s and mixed doubles, she has secured 11 Grand Slam titles (10 doubles and 1 mixed doubles) and currently sits at world No. 2. Her presence adds credibility, entertainment, and high-level competition to any draw. Fans and pundits alike were left disappointed that someone of her caliber was excluded from one of the year’s premier tournaments.

“When two world No. 1s in doubles don’t get into the tournament, there’s probably nothing more to say about it,” Siniakova told Canal+ in the context of her applying as a wildcard with Marcelo Arevalo. The handling of Siniakova’s withdrawal raises broader concerns about the US Open’s approach to mixed doubles.

US Open Mixed Doubles Update: Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Mixed Doubles event with an illness.

The team of Siniakova/Sinner is replaced by Danielle Collins/Christian Harrison.
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 19, 2025

The format changes for a commercial success may inadvertently undermine the discipline and devalue the contributions of doubles specialists. While excitement and audience engagement have increased, the decision to bypass a proven champion highlights tensions between commercial appeal and sporting integrity.

Mandatory Image Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

Katerina Siniakova

US Open Mixed Doubles 2025

Rudra Dubey

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I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.