Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka headline star-studded US Open mixed doubles field

By SABC Sport
28th July 2026

Novak Djokovic will join forces with Aryna Sabalenka after the pair were included among the first 16 teams entered for this year's revamped US Open mixed doubles championship.

The champions will collect a one-million-dollar prize, with organisers hoping to build on the momentum generated by last year's successful relaunch.

Although the revised format drew criticism for giving greater prominence to singles stars than doubles specialists, it proved a major attraction for spectators, with approximately 78,000 fans attending across two sold-out days.

Among the standout pairings are last year's runners-up Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, while Elena Rybakina will partner Taylor Fritz. Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori have also entered, as have Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper.

Reigning champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori are also on the entry list, although their lower singles rankings mean they are expected to require a wild card to reach the main draw.

Entries remain open until August 17. The six highest-ranked teams based on combined singles rankings at the closing date will qualify automatically, with eight wild cards and two places from an August 24 qualifying event completing the field.

Main-draw matches will take place on August 25 and 26 at Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium.

USTA CEO Craig Tiley described the competition as an innovation that showcases tennis at its best by bringing together leading male and female players, while also helping attract new audiences and giving fans another opportunity to watch the sport's biggest names compete alongside one another.