Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka have confirmed that they will team up for the mixed‑doubles competition at this year’s US Open, adding another high‑profile pairing to a field already brimming with talent. The Belarusian world No. 1 in the women’s game and the Serbian legend, a 24‑time Grand Slam champion, will take to the courts together in the event that was dominated by Italy’s Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori in both the 2024 and 2025 editions.
Both Djokovic and Sabalenka bring an impressive résumé to the mixed‑doubles draw. Between them they have captured six singles titles at New York’s iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, a venue that has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in tennis history.
Their combined experience and competitive fire suggest they will be serious contenders for the coveted New York silverware when the tournament kicks off on August 30, with all matches broadcast live on Sky Sports. The mixed‑doubles lineup also includes a number of other marquee names. Norway’s Casper Ruud and Poland’s Iga Swiatek, who fell to the defending champions Errani and Vavassori in last year’s final, are among the headline pairings.
World No. 2 Elena Rybakina will partner with American star Taylor Fritz, creating a cross‑continental duo that promises excitement. Britain’s rising talent Jack Draper will continue his partnership with U.S.
player Jessica Pegula, while Japanese icons Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori will form a home‑grown team representing the Land of the Rising Sun. In a second wave of announcements released a week later, the tournament highlighted a romantic subplot: newlyweds Katie Boulter of Great Britain and Alex de Minaur of Australia will compete together, and Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina will share the court with her husband, French‑American player Gaël Monfils, who has announced his retirement at the close of the season.
These pairings add a personal touch to the competition and underline the mixed‑doubles format’s unique ability to blend professional skill with personal chemistry. The event also features a few notable absences.
While Venus Williams was named as a partner for the flamboyant Alexander Bublik, Serena Williams—who returned to competitive tennis earlier this summer—has not yet been assigned a partner. Likewise, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz appear on the singles entry list but are not currently listed in any mixed‑doubles pairings, leaving fans to wonder whether they might join the format later. US Tennis Association (USTA) CEO Craig Tiley commented on the growing appeal of mixed doubles, saying, “Any time you can bring men and women together on the same team, you showcase tennis at its best.” He added that the tournament is proud to gather the sport’s biggest stars in a format that delivers fresh entertainment and attracts new audiences. Tiley emphasized that the mixed‑doubles championship is an innovative addition that gives fans another chance to watch top‑level athletes collaborate across gender lines.
For viewers, the US Open will be widely accessible. Matches will be streamed live on Sky Sports starting August 30, and fans can also watch via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app. This multi‑platform approach ensures that Sky Sports subscribers can enjoy more than half again as much live sport this year without paying extra fees.
Beyond the headline pairings, the mixed‑doubles draw offers a platform for players to experiment with tactics that differ from singles play. The fast‑paced, often improvisational nature of mixed doubles demands quick reflexes, sharp net play, and seamless communication between partners.
For Djokovic, whose baseline dominance is well documented, the format presents an opportunity to showcase his volleying skills and strategic adaptability. Sabalenka, known for her powerful groundstrokes, will need to blend aggression with precision to complement Djokovic’s style, creating a balanced attack that can challenge any opposition. The tournament’s schedule also provides a relaxed atmosphere compared with the grueling singles draws, allowing players to enjoy a more social aspect of competition while still vying for a prestigious title.
Mixed doubles has historically produced memorable moments—unexpected upsets, dramatic comebacks, and heartfelt celebrations—that resonate with fans worldwide. As the US Open approaches, anticipation builds not only for the singles battles but also for the mixed‑doubles storyline that now includes the formidable duo of Djokovic and Sabalenka.
Whether they can translate their individual success into a joint triumph remains to be seen, but their participation alone elevates the profile of the event and promises to deliver compelling tennis action for spectators in New York and around the globe.