But the Italians weren’t alone in sharing the sentiment, with more polarized opinions emerging to join the voices, including nine-time doubles major winner and former singles Top 10 player Kristina Mladenovic, who had previously chimed in a week prior when reports first emerged that the US Open would be making changes.
“Tell us that you think doubles players are trash, that tradition is overrated and job opportunity is a thing of the past without actually saying it,” wrote Australian doubles specialist Ellen Perez, also a member of the WTA players’ council, on her X, formerly Twitter, account. The outspoken former doubles world No. 7, currently ranked No. 12, is never shy about sharing her opinions on scoial media, and punctuated her post with a clown emoji.
“Leaving doubles acceptance up to wild card discretion isn’t really saying you can play,” she added in a reply to a fan. “That’s a ‘You can play if we feel like letting you play.'”
