Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka have confirmed that they will join forces in the mixed‑doubles draw at this year’s US Open, adding a high‑profile pairing to a field already brimming with talent. The collaboration brings together the world’s top women’s player, Sabalenka, who currently sits at No. 1 in the WTA rankings, and the 24‑time Grand Slam champion Djokovic, a dominant figure in men’s tennis. Both athletes have a storied history at Flushing Meadows, having captured a combined six singles titles on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, and they now hope to add a mixed‑doubles trophy to their extensive collections when the tournament kicks off on August 30.
The mixed‑doubles event, which has been won consecutively by the Italian duo Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori in 2024 and 2025, is set to become even more competitive with the inclusion of Djokovic and Sabalenka. Their partnership follows a pattern of top singles players venturing into the mixed‑doubles format, a move that the United States Tennis Association (USTA) believes will broaden the sport’s 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. We are proud to again bring the world’s top players together in a format that will provide exciting entertainment for our fans.” The draw also features several other headline pairings.
Casper Ruud and Iga Świątek, who were runners‑up to Errani and Vavassori last year, are slated to compete together, while world No. 2 Elena Rybakina will team up with American star Taylor Fritz.
Britain’s rising talent Jack Draper will continue his partnership with fellow American Jessica Pegula, and Japanese legend Naomi Osaka will pair with former Grand Slam champion Kei Nishikori, creating a cross‑generational showcase for the host nation. In a second wave of announcements released a week later, the tournament highlighted a more personal storyline: two married couples will also be competing. Newlyweds Katie Boulter of Great Britain and Alex de Minaur of Australia have confirmed their entry, as have Ukrainian veteran Elina Svitolina and her husband, French player Gaël Monfils, who has announced that this will be his final season before retirement. Their participation adds a romantic dimension to the competition, underscoring the mixed‑doubles format’s unique blend of partnership and sport.
Despite the star‑studded lineup, a few big names remain absent from the mixed‑doubles roster. While Venus Williams has been named alongside the unconventional Alexander Bublik, Serena Williams, who returned to competition earlier this summer, has yet to be paired with a partner.
Similarly, rising stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz appear on the singles entry list but have not been linked to any mixed‑doubles teams at this stage. Their eventual involvement could further elevate the event’s profile, but for now the focus remains on the confirmed pairings. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast the matches from August 30 onward. The network also offers a streaming option through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, promising more than 50 percent additional live sport coverage at no extra charge for Sky Sports subscribers.
Viewers are encouraged to stay updated via Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for the latest news, video highlights, in‑depth analysis, and other exclusive content. The mixed‑doubles competition is not only a chance for top players to showcase their versatility but also an opportunity for the sport to attract new audiences.
By mixing the best male and female athletes on the same court, the format creates a dynamic and often unpredictable spectacle that differs from traditional singles or same‑gender doubles play. The USTA hopes that this innovative approach will engage casual fans and provide a fresh viewing experience for long‑time tennis enthusiasts.
Beyond the headline pairings, the tournament will feature a full slate of matches that highlight a range of playing styles and strategies. Mixed doubles often requires teams to adapt quickly, balancing power and finesse, and to develop chemistry in a short amount of time. For seasoned competitors like Djokovic and Sabalenka, the challenge lies in translating their individual dominance into coordinated teamwork, while for newer pairings, the focus will be on building rapport and exploiting the unique tactical nuances of the format. The US Open’s mixed‑doubles event also serves as a platform for emerging talent to gain exposure on a global stage.
Players such as Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula, who are already making waves in singles, can use the mixed‑doubles arena to refine aspects of their game—particularly net play and reflexes—that are less emphasized in solo competition. Likewise, veterans like Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori can leverage their experience to mentor younger partners and contribute to a compelling narrative for fans. As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds not only for the potential gold medals but also for the stories that will unfold on the court. Will Djokovic’s unparalleled court coverage and Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline play translate into mixed‑doubles success?
Can the married couples find a rhythm that propels them past more seasoned teams? And will the eventual inclusion of Alcaraz or Sinner tip the balance in unexpected ways? Regardless of the outcomes, the mixed‑doubles championship promises to be a highlight of the US Open, delivering high‑octane tennis, surprising alliances, and a celebration of the sport’s inclusive spirit.
Viewers can catch every serve, volley, and match point live on Sky Sports or via the NOW streaming service, ensuring that no moment of this exciting competition is missed.