The U.S. Open is the one main that turns combined doubles right into a pre-show. It encourages uncommon group pairings, presents a smaller subject, and adjustments the foundations in order that your entire factor takes place in two days. Some of us complain that it’s disrespectful and a money seize, and I can perceive their complaints, however… I have to admit I loved the hell out of it. It’s laborious sufficient to suit significant doubles motion into the singles schedule; combined was at all times an afterthought. This provides cheaper entry (I believe) for individuals who wish to see an array of stars, and throws collectively of us like Sabalenka and Djokovic, Serena and Carlos, Andreeva and Rublev, and my private favorites, Svitolina and Monfils. Some of the play was genuinely fantastic — the vibe was half-exhibition, half-intense — and it provides doubles as a style nice publicity that reminds folks how fast-paced and enjoyable it may be. I used to be wholly into it and actually bummed when Svitolina/Monfils misplaced within the semis. I’ll miss watching him play. They need to do that once more.
We’ll speak extra about the principle subject’s outfits when the match begins — CHOICES ARE BEING MADE — however I’ve Serena in right here as a result of I assumed it was the one time we’d see her (I forgot she and Venus obtained a doubles wild card). She and Carlos Alcaraz gained one after which misplaced within the second spherical, and appeared to have a ball whereas doing it. Now and again, she would rip a downright merciless forehand that makes me assume that with one other yr of coaching, she might nonetheless compete, if that’s what she desires — or not less than rejoin the doubles subject long-term.
