Djokovic and Sabalenka headline US Open mixed doubles championship
Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka will form a star-studded partnership to headline the reimagined US Open mixed doubles championship at Flushing Meadows this August.
The 24-time men’s Grand Slam singles champion and the Belarusian powerhouse enter the tournament boasting the lowest combined ranking of any participating team.
They will face fierce competition in a draw packed with elite talent when the three-day event begins in New York on 24 August.
Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud also return to the hard courts aiming to go one step further after finishing as runners-up in last year’s inaugural edition.
Direct entrants and wild cards
The main draw features six direct entrant pairings, automatically qualifying based on their superior singles standing.
Joining the headline acts are formidable duos including Elena Rybakina partnering Taylor Fritz, and Diana Shnaider teaming up with Daniil Medvedev.
Tournament organisers have also awarded wild cards to prominent pairings, including the married couple of Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils.
Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori receive a wild card entry as they look to retain their crown.
Fast-paced tournament structure
The competition utilises a condensed scoring system designed to deliver rapid-fire entertainment across the three scheduled days.
From the qualifying rounds through to the semi-finals, pairs will play best-of-three-set matches with sets reduced to just four games.
Matches will feature no-advantage scoring, with a 10-point tie-break deciding the winner if a contest reaches a third set.
The final, scheduled at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, will revert to traditional six-game sets while retaining the 10-point decider.
Qualifying draw schedule
Eight additional teams will battle for two remaining main draw spots during Monday’s intense qualifying phase.
Doubles specialists including Katerina Siniakova, Neal Skupski and Mate Pavic are among those aiming to navigate the preliminary rounds.