"There will need to be feedback after the tournament," says Bartoli on the new US Open mixed doubles format
Former professional tennis player Marion Bartoli remains very present in the tennis world. As a television commentator, the 2013 Wimbledon winner was asked about the highly controversial format of the US Open.
To recap, it was the Italian pair Sara Errani/Andrea Vavassori who triumphed over singles stars Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud after a super tie-break in the third set.
While many observers, whether active players or not, have heavily criticized this format, Bartoli is not among them, as she enjoyed the two days of competition.
"Of course, it's innovative; it has never been done before by other Grand Slam tournaments. Having commentated on the US Open mixed doubles final myself last year, I found that the enthusiasm this year was much greater from the very first matches.
Louis Armstrong Court and Arthur Ashe Court were already full, which has never been seen before, even for mixed doubles finals. With the old format, it wasn't easy because we had singles match schedules that could be shifted.
So, for our audience, it was sometimes even a little complicated. And I think that for the players, having a perhaps slightly shorter format also encourages them to commit more to this competition.
I completely understand that there are doubles players who feel disadvantaged regarding what we call the entry list, meaning the players who are accepted.
But I think there was a good mix between players with a strong singles pedigree who are also capable of playing very well in doubles, and players more specialized in doubles.
I think it's also a test format. The US Open will meet after the tournament to discuss with the players their overall impression—whether it really handicapped them or if they were happy, if they want to do it again.
I think there will still need to be feedback after the tournament," Bartoli assured RMC Sport in recent hours after the tournament ended this Thursday.
US Open 
