World's richest tennis star calls out US Open for 'changing the format' of tournament

Jessica Pegula has called out US Open organisers for making drastic changes to the mixed doubles event. In February, it was announced that the revamped tournament would be held in the week before the main draws, using a fast-four scoring system, with singles rankings used to gain entry. And Pegula was confirmed as one of the first players to sign up for the new tournament.

The American, who was once ranked No. 1 in doubles, is set to compete alongside compatriot Tommy Paul next week. But she has now publicly confronted US Open bosses for "changing the format and not telling anybody", as she suggested there should have been better communication with players.

Several doubles stars have already voiced their disappointment at the US Open's new mixed doubles format. Defending champions Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani - who have received a wildcard to compete - accused organisers of "disrespecting players".

Katerina Siniakova, who signed up with Marcelo Arevalo when they were both ranked at No. 1 in doubles, said: "When two world No. 1s in doubles don't get into the tournament, there's probably nothing more to say about it."

And Pegula has become the latest player to pile on the criticism, suggesting that tournament organisers went "rogue" and announced the changes without consulting players.

"I'm honored that they asked me to play. I think it's going to be great, I think it's going to be fun and I think the fans will really enjoy it. At the same time, how they went about it, I didn't think was really great," the world No. 4 said in Cincinnati.

Pegula, whose father Terry has a net worth of £5.65million and owns two sports teams, has enjoyed plenty of success in doubles herself.

The 31-year-old has reached the top of the rankings and lifted seven titles, most of which came alongside Coco Gauff. And she believes her colleagues were caught off guard when the announcement came earlier this year.

She explained: "We were like, Okay, you guys just went rogue and changed the format and didn't tell anybody. You just kind of did it,"

"What do you even know? Did you talk to the players? Did you get their input about how it could be better? I think that's just something that we as players are trying to work with them on, having that line of communication be a lot smoother.

"I feel like maybe if there was feedback about the format, then the (reaction) would be a little different, not so all over the place.

"I mean, I think fans will still be excited. But it's not good when you have players saying that they're upset that now they can't play, or that it's a way for them to make money and now they don't have that.

"I think it's going to be a really fun event, but at the same time, I wish that they would have been communicating with us a little bit better."

Only 16 teams can make it into the mixed doubles tournament, which offers £743k ($1m) in prize money.

Eight get in via their combined singles ranking, and eight others are wildcards. Six of the wildcards have already been awarded, with Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic, among those offered a spot in the draw.

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