Sabalenka and Djokovic Headline Revamped US Open Mixed Doubles
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic are set to unite for the mixed doubles competition at the 2026 US Open. The tournament, restructured by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to boost fan engagement and attract top single stars, offers a lucrative $1 million prize for the winning pair.
With Sabalenka holding the top position in the WTA rankings and Djokovic currently ranked No. 5 in the ATP standings, their combined ranking virtually guarantees them one of the six direct entry spots into the main draw.
Star-Studded Pairings Confirmed
The updated player entry list features numerous marquee matchups combining top-tier ATP and WTA stars alongside returning finalists:
- Aryna Sabalenka & Novak Djokovic
- Iga Swiatek & Casper Ruud (2025 Runners-up)
- Elena Rybakina & Taylor Fritz
- Naomi Osaka & Kei Nishikori
- Jessica Pegula & Jack Draper
- Mirra Andreeva & Andrey Rublev
- Belinda Bencic & Flavio Cobolli
- Diana Shnaider & Daniil Medvedev
- Amanda Anisimova & Learner Tien
- Alex Eala & Felix Auger-Aliassime
- Leylah Fernandez & Frances Tiafoe
- Taylor Townsend & Alexander Zverev
- Elena-Gabriela Ruse & Nuno Borges
- Sara Errani & Andrea Vavassori (Two-time defending champions)
- Katerina Siniakova & Henry Patten
- Peyton Stearns & Preston Stearns
Schedule and Tournament Rules
The main draw matches will take place across two action-packed days on August 25 and 26, hosted inside the Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong stadiums. The qualification round will take place on August 24 to decide two remaining main draw berths, while 8 wildcard entries will also be granted by the USTA.
The match format is tailored for high-tempo entertainment:
- Early Rounds to Semifinals: Played under a modified fast-four system (best-of-three sets, first to 4 games with a tiebreak at 4-4, and a 10-point match tiebreak in lieu of a third set).
- Finals: Played under standard rules (sets to 6 games, tiebreak at 6-6, and a 10-point match tiebreak if sets are tied 1-1).