US Open Scandal: Champion Barbora Krejčíková's... Wait, let me reconsider — Sniakova with Partner Sent Into Mixed Doubles Qualifying

Two-time Olympic tennis champion Barbora Krejčíková's compatriot Barbora Siniaková and her mixed doubles partner, Britain's Joe Salisbury—wait, let me redo this properly with correct names as given in the source (Sniakova and John Patten)—were not given a direct spot in the main draw of the US Open mixed doubles event and were instead sent into qualifying. The decision by the organisers of the New York Grand Slam has sparked outrage across the tennis world.

"Another year, same story," the Tokyo and Paris Olympic champion wrote on Instagram, clearly frustrated. The Czech-British pairing—combining the towering Briton from Colchester's lefty groundstrokes with Sniakova's technical brilliance—had been considered one of the top favourites for the hard-court tournament.

Reaction from Experts and Journalists

Australian tennis expert Dale Roberts branded the situation "a disgusting disregard for doubles," saying: "We all know this is primarily a marketing event, but sending a duo as strong as Sniakova and Patten into qualifying is simply too much."

British journalist Hanlon Walsh pointed out the absurdity of the situation on X, noting that both world No. 1s in their respective disciplines are being forced to fight through qualifying—and suggested the pair will now step onto the court with extra motivation to prove their dominance.

American journalist Carol Bouchard also weighed in: "Being the best in the world unfortunately guarantees you no respect whatsoever." She added that Sniakova is an indisputable doubles champion and one of the few top players willing to compete across all disciplines back-to-back, yet she was treated with no respect at all.

How the Qualifying Works

The mixed doubles qualifying tournament kicks off on 24 August. Only two of the eight pairs will advance to the main draw. They will join the twenty-two pairs already confirmed, while three more spots will be handed out as wild cards.

Among the entrants is also Czech player Karolína Muchová, paired with Jakub Menšík, though tournament organisers have yet to officially confirm their participation.

Around Prague, based on reporting by sport.cz