The Hoddle of Coffee: Tottenham Hotspur News and Links for Wednesday, August 26

September is right around the corner and you know what that means: It's time for the US Open!

This year's edition will not feature men's World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, marking the third straight major where either he or Carlos Alcaraz are missing. But this isn't about singles.

This is about the mixed doubles event. The US Open experimented with a new mixed doubles format last year. Instead of a real tournament, they're making this more of an exhibition-style tournament in the lead-up to the actual thing.

It was a shame because that meant fewer opportunities for actual doubles players, whose spots were taken by superstarts on the singles circuit. The good news is doubles specialists won last year.

This year's event probably features an even more stacked cast, featuring Alcaraz on the same team with Serena Williams. Don't get your hopes up for them, though. Alcaraz is a terrible doubles player, and Serena has understandably looked a little out of depth since returning to the tour this summer. Could still be fun for them.

Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori

Alexandra Eala and Felix Auger-Aliassime

I think the silliest thing is that the actual doubles players will need to get through qualifying to play the actual tournament, which should tell you I'm not the biggest fan of this event. That's because I'm one of those lame tennis purists. But I am open to change! However, the new tournament should never be used in any sort of metrics when determining titles, win percentages or any other success on the tour. Because all this is just a glorified exhibition.

But I'm giving it a chance, I say to myself.

Fitzie's track of the day: Tomorrow is Forever, by Dolly Parton

Dan KP ($$) : "Tottenham's Premier League-centric recruitment policy still comes with risk"

BBC : "All the best Savinho – welcome Savio… new club, new name for Spurs signing"

The Guardian : "De Zerbi hopes Sávio's fresh start will help Spurs' much-needed rebrand"