India, Feb. 14 -- Indian tennis great Rohan Bopanna slammed The U.S. Open's revamped mixed doubles format, designed to attract more singles players, is not just rule a change but a move to alienate a generation of Indian tennis fans. Bopanna, who is a renowned doubles player in the world circuit, much like former stars Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza, said the new format in the US Open mixed doubles effectively sidelines India from contention.

US Open announced that the mixed doubles competition, which will offer a $1 million winners' prize, is scheduled for August 19-20 - the week before the singles main draw. The competition's format has been overhauled, with 16 teams participating - half the 32 that competed last year. ...