On the opening day of the revamped US Open mixed doubles tournament, several marquee songles players, including Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz, bowed out early. Novak Djokovic offered insight into what many overlooked: the different skill set required for doubles.
As he lost the Round of 16 match alongside Olga Danilovic, the 24-time Grand Slam Champion highlighted how adapting to net dynamics and partner synchronization remains a tall order for those focused primarily on singles.
Djokovic’s perspective on singles vs doubles
Singles players typically aim returns down the middle to start the rally, but doubles demands precision, knowing when to cross, chip the return, or avoid the net player altogether. Djokovic laid it out clearly:
[In singles] we normally return to the middle of the court and you start off the rally, you start off the point. But in doubles, if you play someone that understands how to position himself or herself at the net, you’re done, the point is finished.
Nole admits these are not skills he drills regularly, even after decades at the top.
Alcaraz and Djokovic exit early
The revamped mixed doubles format, with four-game sets, no-adv scoring, and a condensed draw, puts singles stars into a high-pressure doubles environment with little margin for error. Carlos Alcaraz’s early loss with partner Emma Raducanu isn’t surprising in that context.
Djokovic’s comments underscore that mixed doubles isn’t just another match, it’s a different game that requires instinct, doubles rhythm, and court awareness that doesn’t always translate from singles success.
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