Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka have confirmed that they will join forces in the mixed‑doubles draw at this year’s US Open, adding another headline pairing to the tournament’s already star‑studded lineup. The Belarusian world No. 1 and the Serbian legend, who together boast six singles titles on the hard courts of Arthur Ashe Stadium, are now looking to add a mixed‑doubles trophy to their impressive collections when the event kicks off on August 30.
Their participation was announced by Sky Sports, which will broadcast the matches live and also stream them via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app. Sabalenka, who currently sits atop the women’s rankings, and Djokovic, a 24‑time Grand Slam champion, have never teamed up in a Grand Slam mixed‑doubles event before. Their combined experience at the New York venue is extensive: Djokovic has lifted the men’s singles crown at the US Open six times, while Sabalenka has reached the final stages of the women’s draw on several occasions. The duo will therefore be aiming not only for personal glory but also for the chance to showcase the versatility and excitement that mixed doubles can bring to a sport often dominated by singles narratives.
The mixed‑doubles field this year is unusually deep. Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who secured the title in both 2024 and 2025, will be looking to defend their crown against a host of high‑profile opponents. Among the other notable pairings are Norway’s Casper Ruud paired with Poland’s Iga Swiatek, a team that suffered a narrow defeat to the reigning champions in last year’s final. World No.
2 Elena Rybakina will team up with American fan‑favorite Taylor Fritz, creating a cross‑continental partnership that promises power and precision. Great Britain’s rising star Jack Draper will continue his collaboration with the United States’ Jessica Pegula, while Japan’s Naomi Osaka will join forces with compatriot Kei Nishikori, forming a Japanese duo that could attract considerable attention from Asian markets.
In a separate announcement that highlighted the tournament’s romantic side, newlyweds Katie Boulter of Britain and Alex de Minaur of Australia confirmed their entry as a mixed pair, as did Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina and her husband Gael Monfils, who is set to retire at the close of the season. The tournament’s organizers have emphasized the mixed‑doubles event as a vehicle for attracting new audiences. 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.” He added that the mixed‑doubles championship is an “innovation that will engage new audiences and give our fans another opportunity to see the biggest stars compete together.” Despite the flurry of announcements, some of the sport’s biggest names remain absent from the mixed‑doubles draw.
Both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who appear on the singles entry list, have not yet been paired for doubles competition. Likewise, Serena Williams, who returned to competitive play earlier this summer, has not been named in a mixed‑doubles partnership, although she was listed alongside the unconventional pairing of Venus Williams and Alexander Bublik for promotional purposes. The mixed‑doubles competition will run alongside the main singles and doubles events, offering fans a chance to see players adapt their game strategies to a format that requires rapid communication, net play, and a blend of power and finesse. Historically, mixed doubles has produced some of the sport’s most memorable moments, from dramatic tiebreaks to unexpected upsets, and the US Open’s commitment to promoting this format suggests it will continue to be a highlight of the fortnight.
For those following the tournament, Sky Sports has encouraged viewers to use the Chrome browser for an optimal video‑player experience. The broadcaster also invites fans to stay connected via its WhatsApp channel, where they can receive the latest news, video highlights, in‑depth analysis, and exclusive features throughout the event.
In addition to live coverage, fans can stream the US Open and other tennis action through the NOW service, which offers a comprehensive package of ATP, WTA, and Grand Slam content. Sky Sports customers will benefit from an increase of more than 50 percent in live sport availability this year at no extra charge, a move designed to enhance the overall viewing experience. Overall, the pairing of Djokovic and Sabalenka adds a compelling narrative to the mixed‑doubles draw.
Their combined pedigree, the diverse field of competitors, and the tournament’s emphasis on mixed‑gender competition promise an exciting addition to the US Open program. Whether they capture the title or simply provide entertaining tennis for the crowds, their participation underscores the growing importance of mixed doubles as a showcase for the sport’s most elite athletes.