Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka have announced that they will team up for the mixed‑doubles competition at this year’s US Open. The partnership pairs the world’s top male player, a 24‑time Grand Slam champion, with the current women’s world No. 1, creating a headline‑grabbing duo that is expected to draw considerable attention from fans and media alike.
Both athletes bring a wealth of experience to the New York courts. Djokovic, who has already lifted six singles trophies inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, is looking to add a mixed‑doubles title to his already impressive résumé. Sabalenka, meanwhile, has been a dominant force on the women’s tour, holding the top ranking and collecting numerous major titles in recent seasons.
Their combined résumé includes dozens of Grand Slam finals, multiple Olympic appearances, and a reputation for delivering high‑octane tennis under pressure. The mixed‑doubles event at Flushing Meadows has been won in the past two editions by the Italian pair Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who claimed the crown in both 2024 and 2025. Their back‑to‑back victories have set a high bar for any challengers, and the Djokovic‑Sabalenka team will be eager to dethrone the reigning champions when the competition kicks off on August 30.
The matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering viewers a chance to watch the two stars compete side‑by‑side in a format that blends power, strategy, and on‑court chemistry. Other notable entries in the mixed‑doubles draw include Norway’s Casper Ruud and Poland’s Iga Świątek, who were runners‑up to Errani and Vavassori in last year’s final.
The field also features world No. 2 Elena Rybakina, who will partner with American veteran Taylor Fritz, adding further depth and international flavor to the tournament. Despite the strong lineup, several big names have yet to confirm their participation in the mixed‑doubles event. Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and the legendary Williams sisters—Venus and Serena—are all listed on the singles entry list but have not announced any mixed‑doubles pairings at this stage.
"Any time you can bring men and women together on the same team, you showcase tennis at its best," said Craig Tiley, the chief executive of the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Tiley emphasized that the mixed‑doubles format offers a unique showcase for the sport’s top talent, allowing fans to see their favorite singles players collaborate in a different competitive environment. "We are proud to again bring the world's top players together in a format that will provide exciting entertainment for our fans," he added.
The USTA believes that the mixed‑doubles championship serves as an innovation designed to attract new audiences and give existing fans an additional reason to tune in. By pairing the biggest stars from both the men’s and women’s tours, the event creates match‑ups that would otherwise never occur, generating fresh storylines and increasing the overall appeal of the US Open.
This strategic move aligns with broader efforts to expand tennis viewership and engage younger demographics who are drawn to fast‑paced, dynamic sporting experiences. For spectators, the tournament promises a blend of high‑level baseline rallies, quick net play, and the occasional surprise twist that mixed doubles often delivers. The format requires players to adjust their tactics, as the court coverage and shot selection differ from traditional singles play.
Teams must develop strong communication, anticipate each other's movements, and exploit the strengths of both partners to outmaneuver opponents. Djokovic’s exceptional return game and baseline precision, combined with Sabalenka’s powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes, could prove a formidable combination if they can synchronize their styles effectively.
Fans can follow all the action through various platforms. In addition to the live television broadcast on Sky Sports, the matches will be available for streaming via the NOW service and the Sky Sports app.
This multi‑platform approach ensures that viewers have flexible options to watch the tournament, whether they prefer traditional TV or digital streaming. Sky Sports has highlighted that customers will enjoy over 50 percent more live sport this year at no extra cost, underscoring the network’s commitment to delivering comprehensive coverage of major events like the US Open.
Beyond the on‑court competition, the mixed‑doubles event also offers opportunities for players to refine specific aspects of their game. Participating in mixed doubles can improve a player’s volleying, reflexes, and tactical awareness, skills that are transferable to singles play.
For Djokovic, who has already amassed an extraordinary career record, the mixed‑doubles title would add another layer to his legacy, demonstrating his versatility across different formats. For Sabalenka, it presents a chance to showcase her adaptability and potentially secure a historic double—winning both the women’s singles and mixed doubles titles in the same Grand Slam.
As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds around the potential match‑ups and the narrative of two of tennis’s most dominant figures joining forces. While the exact draw has yet to be released, speculation abounds regarding who the pair might face in the early rounds and whether they will encounter the defending champions before the later stages. Regardless of the outcome, the collaboration between Djokovic and Sabalenka is set to generate significant buzz and add an extra layer of excitement to an already marquee event.
Overall, the US Open’s mixed‑doubles competition this year promises a compelling blend of elite talent, innovative format, and fan‑focused entertainment. With the inclusion of high‑profile players like Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka, alongside a strong field of international competitors, the stage is set for memorable matches, surprising upsets, and perhaps a new champion to emerge from the storied courts of Arthur Ashe Stadium.