Sakkari and Khachanov sarcastically criticize US Open's mixed doubles criteria

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The composition of the mixed doubles draw of the US Open 2026 continues to generate controversy. The latest to publicly express their discontent are Maria Sakkari and Karen Khachanov, who have been left out of the initial list of participants despite being told that the main criteria for entry was the combined ranking of the pair. An explanation that both have doubted with an exchange of ironic messages on social media.

It all started with a comment from the Greek directed at the Russian tennis player: "It seems we didn't make the cut." Khachanov's response was quick and clearly revealed his displeasure with the organization's decision.

Khachanov questions the criteria used by the US Open

"I see. It looks like you have to be top-10 to play there," wrote the Russian with obvious sarcasm, hinting that the criteria used to form the draw may not have been as transparent as expected.

The complaint from both gains strength when observing some of the pairs included in the initial list. A particularly striking case is that of Greet Minnen... No, according to the information that has emerged, the example that has generated the most comments is the pairing of Viktoriya Ruse and Nuno Borges, whose individual rankings are lower than those of Sakkari and Khachanov. Many fans have interpreted that the fact that both are in a romantic relationship could have influenced the organizers' decision, although the US Open has not publicly explained the reasons for that choice.

The controversy comes just weeks after the tournament introduced this new mixed doubles format, with a reduced draw and a strong presence of top figures from the individual circuit. It is precisely this limitation of spots that has caused several pairs with very competitive rankings to be left out.

In any case, there are still spots to be filled in the final draw, so it cannot be ruled out that the organization will reconsider or find a way to include Sakkari and Khachanov. Meanwhile, the Russian's comment has already become one of the most talked-about reactions of the day, putting the spotlight back on the criteria used to select participants for a competition that, even before it starts, is creating a lot of buzz.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sakkari y Khachanov critican con sarcasmo el criterio del US Open en el dobles mixto