The upcoming US Open Mixed Doubles event is set to feature an impressive lineup of tennis stars, headlined by world number one Aryna Sabalenka and the legendary 24‑time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. Both players have confirmed their participation, guaranteeing a high‑profile draw that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
In addition to the Sabalenka‑Djokovic pairing, former champion Serena Williams has been granted a wild‑card entry and will team up with rising Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz, who has been sidelined with a persistent wrist problem since April, announced his intention to return to competition at Flushing Meadows later this month, making his mixed‑doubles appearance a highly anticipated comeback.
Williams, now 44, re‑entered the professional circuit after a four‑year break at Wimbledon earlier this summer. Unfortunately, she suffered a knee injury shortly thereafter, which forced her and her sister Venus to withdraw in the first round of the Cincinnati Open doubles event. Despite the setback, the wildcard partnership with Alcaraz offers her a fresh opportunity to showcase her enduring skill on a grand stage.
The tournament also includes a host of other notable entries. Young Filipino talent Alex Eala will join forces with Canadian star Felix Auger‑Aliassime, while the married duo of Ukrainian‑born Elina Svitolina and Frenchman Gaël Monfils have secured a spot in the draw. Two‑time defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, both specialists in doubles play, have also received a wild‑card into the main field, giving them a chance to defend their title for a third consecutive year.
The mixed doubles competition, now in its second year after a format overhaul, runs from August 24 to August 26. This schedule precedes the main US Open events, which commence on August 30 and continue through September 13. The reimagined format aims to deliver fast‑paced, viewer‑friendly matches while still preserving the strategic depth that makes mixed doubles unique.
Match times and venues are as follows: - **Monday, August 24 – Qualifying:** Eight teams will battle for two coveted spots in the main draw. The qualifying round will be held on the Grandstand Court, kicking off at 4:00 pm BST. - **Tuesday, August 25 – First Round & Quarter‑Finals:** Successful qualifiers will join the seeded pairs for the opening round, followed by the quarter‑final matches later in the day. - **Wednesday, August 26 – Semi‑Finals and Final:** The climactic stages will take place at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, with the final scheduled to start at midnight.
The scoring system for the tournament has been tailored to keep matches concise yet competitive. From the qualifying stage through to the semi‑finals, matches will be best‑of‑three sets, with each set played to four games. No‑ad (no advantage) scoring will be used, and a tiebreak will be played at 4‑4. If the match reaches a deciding third set, a 10‑point match tiebreak will replace a full set.
The championship match itself will adopt a slightly different structure: it will be best‑of‑three sets, each set played to six games, with a conventional tiebreak at 6‑6. No‑ad scoring remains in effect, and a 10‑point tiebreak will again stand in for a full third set if needed.
This hybrid approach balances the excitement of traditional tennis scoring with the modern demand for shorter, high‑intensity contests. Fans can follow the action through multiple channels.
Sky Sports will provide live coverage of both the mixed doubles and the broader ATP and WTA tours, while the NOW streaming service and the Sky Sports app offer contract‑free viewing options. For the best video experience, viewers are advised to use the Chrome browser.
Beyond the on‑court drama, the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship serves as a platform for players to experiment with new partnerships and strategies. Mixed doubles requires a unique blend of power, precision, and coordination, as male and female athletes must complement each other's strengths and cover each other's weaknesses. The presence of seasoned veterans like Djokovic and Williams alongside emerging talents such as Alcaraz and Eala promises a rich tapestry of playing styles and tactical approaches. The tournament also highlights the growing popularity of mixed doubles as a spectator sport.
By offering a condensed format and featuring high‑profile names, the event attracts both die‑hard tennis enthusiasts and casual viewers. The inclusion of wild‑card entries for popular players ensures that the draw remains fresh and unpredictable, fostering storylines that can capture the imagination of a global audience. Overall, the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship is set to be a thrilling showcase of athleticism, teamwork, and competitive spirit. Whether you are tuning in for the headline matchups featuring Sabalenka, Djokovic, Williams, and Alcaraz, or you are intrigued by the dynamic pairings of rising stars and seasoned doubles specialists, the tournament promises a week of high‑octane tennis that will set the tone for the rest of the US Open season.