The US Open mixed doubles tournament is back and taking shape, for the second year, and we all remember the debate surrounding it last year.
Organizers announced the initial entry list for the revamped 16-team event, and it’s officially headlined by a blockbuster pairing: world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
Ever since Sabalenka jokingly called Djokovic her “dream partner”, fans have been waiting to see if it would actually happen, and the dream is officially on.
Other pairings
They won’t be the only heavyweight pair lighting up Flushing Meadows. The star-packed field also features 2025 runners-up Iga Swiatek / Casper Ruud, Elena Rybakina / Taylor Fritz, Naomi Osaka / Kei Nishikori, Leylah Fernandez / Frances Tiafoe and Jessica Pegula paired with Jack Draper.
“Anytime you can bring women and men together on the same team, you showcase tennis at its best,” commented new USTA CEO Craig Tiley.
Star-studded entry list! ?
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) July 27, 2026
These teams have officially entered into the 2026 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship presented by Vital Proteins. pic.twitter.com/MPKjgw74h0
Let’s see if the event will spark a debate again, as many doubles specialists will of course be left out to give place to these star names. Doubles specialists Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani won the event last year and showed that Doubles is an art on its own and it’s not always easy for top ranked singles players to succeed in these events.
Kick-off before the main draw
Following its big commercial success last year, which introduced a $1 million prize for the winners, the quick-fire event will run from August 24–26, taking over Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium right before the main singles draws kick off, as it was last year.
