Now the stage is set for the US Open mixed doubles spectacle, a 16-team clash dripping with star power but light on traditional doubles veterans. With registration closed, the USTA has named 14 teams, eight direct entries, six wild cards, slated for August 19-20 at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center, wrapping just four days before singles action ignites with $1 million prize money. Automatic berths include defending men’s champion Jannik Sinner, Wimbledon queen Iga Świątek, and last year’s finalist Taylor Fritz. Yet, since the February announcement, a storm has brewed. With the countdown on, Jessica Pegula identifies the lack of communication between players and organizers as the reason for the growing division.

Fresh off her 6-4, 6-3 triumph over Kimberly Birrell in Cincinnati’s second

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