The headline attraction for the US Open Mixed Doubles event will be the pairing of world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka with the legendary 24‑time men’s Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, a duo that promises to draw massive viewership on Sky Sports.
In addition to this marquee team, former champion Serena Williams has been granted a wildcard and will team up with the rising Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz, who has been sidelined since April due to a persistent wrist problem, confirmed his intention to return to competition at Flushing Meadows later this month, making his mixed‑doubles debut alongside the 44‑year‑old Williams.
Williams herself made a notable comeback earlier this year, ending a four‑year break from professional tennis at Wimbledon in June. Unfortunately, she suffered a knee injury shortly thereafter, which forced her and her sister Venus to withdraw after a first‑round loss in the doubles draw at the Cincinnati Open.
Despite the setback, the wildcard entry gives her a fresh opportunity to showcase her skills in a mixed format, this time with Alcaraj’s powerful baseline game complementing her aggressive net play. The field also includes a blend of emerging talent and seasoned veterans.
Filipino prodigy Alex Eala will partner with Canadian rising star Felix Auger‑Aliassime, forming a youthful pair that could surprise more experienced teams. The married couple Elina Svitolina and Gaël Monfils, both former top‑10 singles players, have also received a wildcard, adding a personal dimension to the competition as they navigate the pressures of playing together on a grand stage. Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who specialize in doubles and captured the title last year, have been granted a direct entry into the main draw, giving them a chance to defend their crown without having to go through qualifying.
The tournament marks the second edition of the newly re‑imagined Mixed Doubles Championship, scheduled to run from August 24 to August 26. This condensed format sits alongside the broader US Open programme, which officially kicks off on August 30 and runs through September 13. The mixed‑doubles event is designed to provide fast‑paced, entertaining tennis for fans, with a series of qualifying matches leading into the main draw. Qualifying will feature eight teams battling for two coveted spots in the main tournament.
These matches are slated to begin on Monday, August 24, at the Grandstand, with a 4 p.m. BST kickoff. The winners will advance to the first round and quarter‑finals on Tuesday, August 25, with action split between Louis Armstrong Stadium (starting at 3 p.m.) and Arthur Ashe Stadium (starting at 4 p.m.). The semi‑finals and final will be contested on Wednesday, August 26, culminating in a midnight showdown at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The competition format differs between the early rounds and the final. From the qualifying stage through the semi‑finals, matches are played as best‑of‑three sets, each set consisting of four games. No‑ad scoring is employed, meaning that at deuce the next point decides the game, and a tiebreak is played at 4‑4. If the match reaches a third set, a 10‑point match tiebreak replaces a full set, ensuring a swift resolution.
For the championship match itself, the format expands to traditional six‑game sets with a tiebreak at 6‑6, while still retaining no‑ad scoring and a 10‑point tiebreak in place of a full third set. This hybrid approach balances the excitement of rapid‑fire tennis with the gravitas of a Grand Slam final. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, which will also broadcast the ATP and WTA tours throughout the US Open fortnight. In addition to traditional television coverage, viewers have the option to stream matches contract‑free via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, providing flexible access across devices.
The service recommends using the Chrome browser for optimal video playback. Beyond the headline names, the tournament offers a platform for lesser‑known players to gain exposure on a major stage. Mixed doubles, by its nature, encourages creative tactics, as teams must blend the power and precision of both genders. This often results in unique shot selections, strategic poaching at the net, and dynamic rally constructions that differ from standard singles or same‑gender doubles play.
For coaches and analysts, the event serves as a laboratory for testing new formations and communication styles under pressure. The inclusion of wildcards for high‑profile athletes such as Williams and Alcaraz also underscores the tournament’s role in promoting the sport’s legends alongside its future stars. By granting entry to players returning from injury or hiatus, the organizers ensure that the competition remains both competitive and compelling for a broad audience.
Moreover, the presence of married couples like Svitolina and Monfils adds a human interest angle that resonates with casual fans, highlighting the personal stories behind the athletic performances. Overall, the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship promises a blend of star power, emerging talent, and innovative match formats that will captivate tennis enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you are tuning in for the drama of Sabalenka and Djokovic’s partnership, the comeback narrative of Serena Williams, or the tactical nuances of mixed‑gender play, the event delivers a rich tapestry of sport, entertainment, and narrative intrigue.