NEW YORK — Tennis power couple Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa have withdrawn from the US Open mixed doubles event following their recent breakup, adding another layer of drama to the tournament's opening week. The pair, who had been one of the most high-profile relationships in tennis, confirmed their split earlier this month after dating for over a year.
The withdrawal comes as British player Jack Draper also pulled out of the mixed doubles competition due to an undisclosed injury, further thinning the field. Tournament organizers confirmed the changes to the entry list late Tuesday, with alternate teams stepping in to fill the vacancies.
A High-Profile Split Rocks the Tennis World
Tsitsipas and Badosa had been one of tennis's most visible couples since going public with their relationship in mid-2023. Their on-court chemistry was evident when they won the Hopman Cup together earlier this year, sparking excitement about their potential in mixed doubles at Grand Slams. "We were really looking forward to playing together in New York," Badosa told reporters during a press conference.
The breakup appears to have been amicable but decisive. Both players have unfollowed each other on social media, and Tsitsipas was spotted practicing with other potential mixed doubles partners before ultimately withdrawing. Tournament sources indicate the decision was mutual, with neither player wanting the added pressure of competing together during what remains an emotional period.
Impact on Their Singles Campaigns
The withdrawal raises questions about how the personal developments might affect their singles performances:
- Badosa, currently ranked 45th, faces a tough first-round match against 12th-seeded Qinwen Zheng
- Tsitsipas, the 7th seed, opens against Canada's Vasek Pospisil
- Both players have struggled with form recently, with Badosa returning from a back injury
Badosa addressed the situation briefly after a practice session: "Right now I need to focus on my singles. It's been a difficult few weeks, but I'm here to compete at my best."
Draper's Unexpected Withdrawal
Adding to the mixed doubles shakeup, British rising star Jack Draper withdrew from his scheduled partnership with fellow Brit Harriet Dart. The 22-year-old left-hander, who reached the semifinals in Washington earlier this month, cited precautionary reasons for his withdrawal.
A tournament spokesperson confirmed: "Mr. Draper notified us of his decision this morning. While he remains in the singles draw, medical staff advised against the additional workload of mixed doubles at this time."
Replacement Teams Step Up
With these high-profile withdrawals, several alternate teams have secured spots in the draw. Most notably, American duo Taylor Townsend and Ben Shelton will now compete after initially being first alternates. The new pairings add fresh intrigue to the competition, which begins Thursday.
Tennis Community Reacts
The news has sparked considerable discussion among players and analysts. Former doubles specialist Rennae Stubbs commented on social media: "Mixed doubles at Slams is always unpredictable, but this year's US Open just got even more dramatic before it's even started!"
Fans had been particularly excited to see Tsitsipas and Badosa compete together, with many hoping their on-court partnership might help mend their personal relationship. However, tennis psychologist Dr. Emily Smith cautioned: "Competing together so soon after a breakup would have created immense emotional pressure. This was probably the healthiest decision for both athletes."
Looking Ahead
As the tournament begins, all eyes will be on how both Tsitsipas and Badosa perform in their singles matches. The Greek star is considered a dark horse contender for the men's title, while Badosa looks to regain the form that once saw her ranked as high as No. 2 in the world.
The mixed doubles competition will now proceed without two of its most anticipated teams, but the event still features several intriguing pairings, including defending champions Jessica Pegula and Austin Krajicek, who open their title defense against alternate team Miyu Kato and Tim Pütz.
Tournament director Stacey Allaster acknowledged the withdrawals but remained optimistic: "While we're disappointed not to see Stefanos and Paula compete together, the mixed doubles field remains incredibly strong with many compelling storylines."
As the final Grand Slam of the year gets underway, the personal and professional challenges facing these athletes serve as a reminder of the complex intersection between personal lives and elite sports performance. The developments add another layer of human drama to what promises to be a thrilling US Open fortnight.