Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur has publicly appealed for a coveted wildcard entry into the newly formatted US Open mixed doubles event, hoping to compete alongside his fiancée, fellow WTA player Katie Boulter, in a bid to capture Grand Slam glory.
The revamped mixed doubles tournament at Flushing Meadows introduces a dynamic new structure this year, designed to intensify competition. This condensed format will significantly reduce the number of games played, with the entire event spanning just two days prior to the commencement of the main singles tournaments, drawing in several top ATP and WTA singles talents.
With fourteen teams already confirmed for the innovative competition, only two wildcard spots remain available for hopeful entrants. De Minaur, capitalizing on his social media platform, directly addressed the US Open organizers with a fervent plea, advocating for himself and Boulter to secure one of these highly sought-after final berths.
De Minaur’s request follows closely on the heels of his impressive title victory at the recent DC Open, where he showcased formidable form. His campaign for a mixed doubles wildcard began during his successful Washington run, where he highlighted the unique advantage he and Boulter possess: a pre-existing strong chemistry, unlike many newly formed pairings.
Emphasizing their established bond, De Minaur publicly stated, ‘We’d be definitely asking for a wildcard, and we’re definitely hoping for a wildcard.’ He thoughtfully added, ‘Why not give a little bit of love to a tennis couple? We have been going strong. It’s been what, five years already, getting married next year. I think we’re showing that there is good chemistry between us.’
This established rapport, De Minaur believes, provides a distinct competitive edge. He pointed out that ‘some of the other partnerships, they haven’t really said a word to each other in their lives, right? At least we kind of know each other, so we can hopefully show some good chemistry and hopefully play some good matches there,’ underscoring the potential for seamless on-court communication and synergy.
As the deadline for entries approaches, the tennis world eagerly awaits the US Open’s decision regarding De Minaur and Boulter’s wildcard application. Their potential inclusion promises an intriguing dynamic, adding a romantic and competitive narrative to the highly anticipated mixed doubles championship at Flushing Meadows.
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