The upcoming US Open Mixed Doubles Championship is set to showcase a glittering roster of tennis stars, with the tournament being broadcast live on Sky Sports. At the forefront of the draw are world number one Aryna Sabalenka and the legendary 24‑time Grand Slam singles champion Novak Djokovic, who will lead an all‑star lineup that promises high‑octane action and unforgettable moments.
In a surprising and exciting development, Serena Williams has been granted a wildcard entry and will team up with Spain’s rising sensation Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz, who announced on Thursday that he is ready to return to competition at Flushing Meadows after a lengthy wrist injury that kept him off the court since April, will share the court with the 44‑year‑old Williams, adding a generational twist to the event.
Williams made her much‑anticipated comeback after a four‑year hiatus at Wimbledon in June. However, her return was marred by a knee injury that forced her to withdraw from the doubles competition with her sister Venus at the Cincinnati Open, where the duo fell in the opening round. Despite the setback, Williams’ participation in the mixed‑doubles field underscores her enduring passion for the sport and her desire to compete at the highest level.
The tournament also features a host of other notable pairings. Young Filipino talent Alex Eala will join forces with Canadian‑Swiss star Felix Auger‑Aliassime, while the married couple Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils have entered as a team, adding a personal dimension to the competition. Two‑time defending mixed‑doubles champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori have been awarded a wildcard, ensuring that the defending titleholders will have the chance to retain their crown.
Additional high‑profile partnerships include Elena Rybakina, the recent Australian Open champion, who will partner with American veteran Taylor Fritz. Meanwhile, Polish sensation Iga Swiatek will team up with Norway’s Casper Ruud, creating a formidable duo that blends power and precision. The event is part of the second year of a revamped championship format that runs from August 24 to August 26, preceding the main US Open competitions which commence on August 30 and continue through September 13.
The schedule is packed with qualifying rounds, first‑round matches, quarter‑finals, semi‑finals, and a final, all staged across the iconic courts at Flushing Meadows. **Direct Entrants (Six Teams)** - Aryna Sabalenka & Novak Djokovic - Jessica Pegula & Taylor Fritz - Iga Swiatek & Casper Ruud - Belinda Bencic & Flavio Cobolli - Amanda Anisimova & Learner Tien - Diana Shnaider & TBD (to be announced) **Wildcard Entries (Eight Teams)** - Sara Errani & Andrea Vavassori - Alex Eala & Felix Auger‑Aliassime - Leylah Fernandez & Frances Tiafoe - Taylor Townsend & Alexander Zverev - Elina Svitolina & Gael Monfils - Serena Williams & Carlos Alcaraz - Jakub Mensik & Karolina Muchova - Emma Navarro & Tommy Paul Additional direct entrants include: - Katerina Siniakova & Henry Patten - Gabriela Dabrowski & Harri Heliövaara - Luisa Stefani & Neal Skupski - Aleksandra Krunic & Mate Pavic - Kristina Mladenovic & Marcelo Arevalo - Erin Routliffe & Lloyd Glasspool Wildcard pairs in the later stages feature: - Mirra Andreeva & Andrey Rublev - Peyton Stearns & Christian Harrison Entry into the main draw was determined by the best combined singles or doubles rankings, ensuring that the strongest mixed‑doubles teams earned their spots.
**Tournament Format** - **Qualifying (August 24):** Eight teams compete for two places in the main draw. Matches are best‑of‑three sets, with each set played to four games, no‑ad scoring, and a tiebreak at 4‑4. If the match reaches a third set, a 10‑point match tiebreak decides the winner.
- **First Round & Quarter‑Finals (August 25):** Held at Louis Armstrong Stadium (3 pm) and Arthur Ashe Stadium (4 pm). The same best‑of‑three, four‑game set format applies. - **Semi‑Finals & Final (August 26):** Semi‑finals follow the qualifying format, while the championship match shifts to a traditional best‑of‑three sets to six games, with a tiebreak at 6‑6, no‑ad scoring, and a 10‑point match tiebreak in lieu of a full third set.
Fans can stream the action without a contract through the NOW platform, and the Sky Sports app provides live scores, video highlights, and exclusive tennis content. For the best viewing experience, a Chrome browser is recommended to access the video player. Beyond the mixed‑doubles spectacle, the US Open will continue to deliver the full slate of ATP and WTA matches from August 30 onward, offering tennis enthusiasts a comprehensive showcase of the sport’s elite talent.
Whether you are drawn to the star‑studded pairings, the innovative scoring system, or the historic setting of Flushing Meadows, the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship promises a thrilling prelude to one of tennis’s most celebrated Grand Slam events.