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 the tournament’s already star‑studded lineup. The Belarusian world No.
1 and the Serbian legend, both celebrated for their individual achievements, will now share the court in a format that blends the power and finesse of men’s and women’s tennis. Their partnership follows a recent run of mixed‑doubles victories by Italy’s Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who captured the title in both 2024 and 2025, and it promises to inject fresh excitement into the event that kicks off on August 30. Sabalenka, who currently sits atop the women’s rankings, and Djokovic, a 24‑time Grand Slam champion, bring together an impressive résumé of success at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium. Between them they have amassed six singles championships on the New York hard courts, a record that underscores their familiarity with the venue’s unique atmosphere and playing conditions.
While their primary focus remains on their respective singles draws, the mixed‑doubles competition offers a chance to add another piece of silverware to their collections and to showcase a different side of their games—one that relies heavily on teamwork, quick reflexes at the net, and strategic poaching. The mixed‑doubles field this year is a veritable who’s‑who of contemporary tennis talent. Defending champions Casper Ruud and Iga Swiatek, who were upset by Errani and Vavassori in last year’s final, are slated to return, bringing with them the experience of having reached a Grand Slam final together.
World No. 2 Elena Rybakina will also be in the mix, paired with American fan‑favorite Taylor Fritz, creating a trans‑Atlantic duo that could prove formidable. Britain’s rising star Jack Draper will continue his partnership with the seasoned American Jessica Pegula, while Japanese icons Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori will form a home‑country pair that many expect to draw considerable attention. In a second wave of announcements released a week later, the tournament highlighted a romantic theme, confirming that two married couples will compete side‑by‑side.
Newlyweds Katie Boulter of Great Britain and Alex de Minaur of Australia will take the court together, as will Ukrainian veteran Elina Svitolina and her husband, French‑American player Gaël Monfils, who has announced his retirement at the close of the season. Their participation adds a personal narrative to the competition, emphasizing the camaraderie and shared passion that mixed doubles can foster. While many top names have been assigned, a few marquee players remain absent from the mixed‑doubles roster. Although Venus Williams was named as a potential partner for the unorthodox Kazakhstani talent Alexander Bublik, Serena Williams—who made a brief return to competitive tennis earlier this summer—has yet to be linked with a male counterpart.
Likewise, rising stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz appear on the singles entry list but have not confirmed any mixed‑doubles pairings at this stage. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has expressed enthusiasm for the format, with CEO Craig Tiley noting, “Any time you can bring men and women together on the same team, you showcase tennis at its best.” He added that the mixed‑doubles championship is an innovative way to attract new audiences and give fans additional opportunities to watch the sport’s biggest stars collaborate. Broadcast coverage will be extensive. Sky Sports will air the matches live from August 30, and viewers can also stream the action via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app, which promises more than 50 percent additional live sport content for subscribers at no extra charge.
Fans are encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for real‑time updates, videos, analysis, and other multimedia content related to the tournament. For those interested in deeper insight into the sport, the network also offers an A‑Z guide to tennis terminology, a series of highlight reels, player interviews, and on‑demand video features. These resources aim to enhance the viewing experience for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
In summary, the pairing of Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka adds a compelling storyline to the US Open mixed‑doubles draw, complementing an already diverse field that includes established champions, promising youngsters, and even married couples sharing the court. While the absence of players like Alcaraz and Sinner leaves room for speculation, the tournament’s emphasis on mixed‑gender teamwork promises a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship as the competition unfolds in New York City.