# Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka to team up in US Open mixed doubles

> Tennis superstars Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka are set to pair up for the upcoming US Open mixed doubles event, starting 25 August in New York.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Tennis · **Published:** 2026-07-27 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/tennis/novak-djokovic-aur-aryna-sabalenka-to-team-up-in-us-open-mixed-doubles-11105 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Tennis, US Open, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, Mixed Doubles, Sports News

Tennis icons Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka are set to join forces for the upcoming US Open mixed doubles tournament, which was controversially revamped last year to attract top-tier superstar pairings. Aryna Sabalenka currently holds the WTA world number one ranking, while Novak Djokovic is a decorated 24-time major champion. Serbia's 39-year-old Djokovic and 28-year-old Belarusian Sabalenka are slated to play together in the two-day event, which kicks off on 25 August in New York.

## Star-Studded Partnerships Line Up for New York
A host of other prominent names have indicated their intention to compete together in the revamped draw. Former British number one Jack Draper is planning a reunion with American star Jessica Pegula following their run to the 2025 semi-finals. Poland's Iga Swiatek and Norway's Casper Ruud, who finished as last year's runners-up, will also team up once again. Additional notable pairings include Japan's Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori, American standout Taylor Fritz alongside two-time major champion Elena Rybakina, and the Russian duo of Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev.

## Notable Absences Include Alcaraz and Sinner
Meanwhile, the two leading players in the men's game, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, have opted not to enter the tournament. Spain's seven-time major champion Alcaraz, who partnered with Britain's Emma Raducanu at Flushing Meadows last year, is currently recovering from a wrist injury with no definitive return date set. Italy's Sinner, who captured his fifth major title at Wimbledon last month, skipped last year's revamped event and has withdrawn from the upcoming Canadian Open to prioritize his health.

## Uncertainty Surrounds Serena Williams
There is currently no confirmed spot in the draw for Serena Williams. The 23-time major singles champion made her competitive comeback at Wimbledon last month but sustained a knee injury that forced her out of a planned doubles appearance alongside her older sister Venus. However, the release of the initial entry wave does not rule out Williams participating, nor does it guarantee that the currently signed pairings will all make it to the tournament.

## Entry Process and Tournament Format
The entry window remains open until 17 August, after which the six teams boasting the best combined singles rankings will gain direct acceptance into the main draw. Eight additional teams will receive wildcards, while the final two spots will be determined through an eight-legged qualifying round scheduled for 24 August. The revamped format features a shortened scoring format during the earlier rounds alongside a new scheduling slot positioned ahead of the main singles draws.

## Mixed Reactions to the Revamped Format
When tournament organizers initially announced the overhaul of the mixed doubles event, public opinion was sharply divided. The changes provoked considerable outrage among specialized doubles players, prompting Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori to issue a joint statement condemning the move as profoundly wrong. Despite the backlash, that exact pair walked away with the championship trophy and a lucrative $1 million, approximately £740,000, prize pot designed specifically to attract marquee names. The decision to reimagine the competition breathed new life into an event that had historically been overlooked.

## Commercial Success and Ticket Sales
The tournament format proved to be a massive financial success for the US Open last year and is positioned to generate significant interest once again. Grand Slam tournaments continually seek to maximize revenue generation during the week preceding the singles main draws, and the United States Tennis Association is banking heavily on star power to sell out Arthur Ashe Stadium across those two days. Sources have indicated that organizers dangled substantial appearance fees reaching up to $500,000 each to entice major stars to participate. Ticket sales are already performing strongly, with prices ranging from $39 for upper-tier seats on day one to over $500 for courtside spots on day two, and the newly announced player lineup is expected to drive further demand.

## What this means for you
- **For Sports Fans:** Fans will get to watch top global tennis superstars compete in exciting mixed doubles matches right at the start of the tournament.
- **In New York:** Local attendees and ticket buyers will have the unique opportunity to witness marquee player pairings live at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Which tournament will Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka play together in?
Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka are set to team up for the mixed doubles event at the upcoming US Open.

### 2. When and where does this mixed doubles event start?
The two-day event starts on 25 August in New York.

### 3. When does the entry window close and how are teams accepted into the main draw?
The entry window closes on 17 August, after which the top six teams by combined singles ranking are directly accepted into the main draw.

### 4. What was the prize pot for last year's mixed doubles winners?
Last year's winning pair walked away with a $1 million, roughly £740,000, prize pot.

### 5. Why is Carlos Alcaraz not entering the mixed doubles event this year?
Carlos Alcaraz is still recovering from a wrist injury and his return date remains uncertain.

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