Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka have announced that they will team up for the mixed‑doubles competition at this year’s US Open, adding another headline pairing to an already star‑studded field. The world No.1 woman, Sabalenka, and the 24‑time Grand Slam champion, Djokovic, will share the court in a format that has already produced back‑to‑back titles for Italy’s Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori in the 2024 and 2025 editions. Both players bring a wealth of experience and a combined six singles titles won on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, and they will be looking to add a piece of New York silverware to their impressive trophy cabinets when the tournament kicks off on August 30.
The matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, giving fans a front‑row seat to what promises to be a showcase of elite tennis talent. The mixed‑doubles draw features a mixture of established champions and rising stars. Among the other high‑profile teams are Casper Ruud and Iga Swiatek, who were runners‑up to Errani and Vavassori in last year’s final.
World No.2 Elena Rybakina will partner with American fan‑favorite Taylor Fritz, creating a formidable duo that could challenge for the title. Britain’s Jack Draper will continue his partnership with USA’s Jessica Pegula, while Japanese legend Naomi Osaka will team up with compatriot Kei Nishikori, forming a cross‑generational pairing that blends Osaka’s power with Nishikori’s finesse. In a second wave of announcements released a week later, the tournament highlighted a romantic angle, confirming that two married couples will also compete.
Newlyweds Katie Boulter of Great Britain and Alex de Minaur of Australia will enter the draw together, and Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina will partner with her husband, French‑American player Gael Monfils, who has announced that this will be his final professional season before retirement. These personal connections add an extra layer of intrigue and narrative to the competition, appealing to casual viewers as well as die‑hard tennis enthusiasts.
The mixed‑doubles format has become a focal point for the US Open’s effort to broaden its appeal. USTA CEO Craig Tiley explained, “Any time you can bring men and women together on the same team, you showcase tennis at its best.” He emphasized that the event is designed to provide fresh entertainment for fans and to attract new audiences by featuring the sport’s biggest names in a collaborative setting. While some marquee singles players such as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have already confirmed their participation in the singles draw, they have not yet been listed in any mixed‑doubles pairings, leaving the door open for potential late‑season partnerships. Veteran Venus Williams was named alongside the unconventional Kazakhstani talent Alexander Bublik, creating a pairing that blends experience with unpredictability.
However, Serena Williams, who made a brief return to competitive tennis earlier this summer, has not yet been assigned a mixed‑doubles partner, prompting speculation about whether she might join the event later on. The US Open’s mixed‑doubles championship is not only a test of skill but also a celebration of the sport’s inclusive spirit. By pairing male and female athletes on the same side of the net, the format highlights the complementary strengths of each gender and offers a dynamic, fast‑paced spectacle.
The tournament’s organizers have promoted the event as an "innovation" that will engage both traditional tennis fans and newcomers, providing an additional avenue for spectators to see their favorite stars compete side‑by‑side. For viewers in the UK, Sky Sports will carry the action live, and the matches can also be streamed via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app. Subscribers will enjoy more than 50 percent additional live sport coverage this year at no extra charge, making it easier than ever to follow the mixed‑doubles battles alongside the main singles and doubles events. Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for real‑time updates, video highlights, in‑depth analysis, and exclusive interviews.
Beyond the headline pairings, the mixed‑doubles draw offers a platform for lesser‑known players to make a mark on the biggest stage. The format’s shorter sets and match‑tiebreaks often produce surprising upsets, giving underdogs a chance to upset established stars.
This unpredictability adds to the overall excitement of the US Open, where every match can turn into a memorable moment. In addition to the on‑court action, the tournament provides a wealth of ancillary content for fans. The Sky Sports website hosts an A‑Z guide to tennis terminology, helping newcomers understand the nuances of the sport.
Video highlights, post‑match interviews, and expert commentary are regularly uploaded, ensuring that audiences can relive the most thrilling points and gain insight into players’ strategies. Overall, the announcement of Djokovic and Sabalenka’s partnership has set the tone for a mixed‑doubles competition that promises high‑quality tennis, compelling storylines, and a celebration of the sport’s diversity.
As the US Open approaches, anticipation builds for what could be a historic run for the duo, who will aim to add a New York title to their already illustrious careers. Whether they secure the championship or fall short, their presence will undoubtedly elevate the profile of mixed‑doubles and inspire future generations of players to embrace this collaborative format.