US Open 2026: Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka set to play together in US Open mixed doubles - BBC

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka are expected to team up in the US Open mixed doubles event in New York, scheduled to begin on 25 August 2026. Djokovic, the 39-year-old Serbian 24-time Grand Slam champion, and Sabalenka, the 28-year-old Belarusian WTA world number one, are among the headline pairings for a competition reshaped last year to feature more singles stars.

Other planned teams listed by the BBC include Jack Draper with Jessica Pegula, Iga Swiatek with Casper Ruud, Naomi Osaka with Kei Nishikori, Taylor Fritz with Elena Rybakina, and Mirra Andreeva with Andrey Rublev. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have not entered; the BBC says Alcaraz is still dealing with a wrist injury, while Sinner has withdrawn from the Canadian Open to focus on his health. Serena Williams is also not currently in the entry list after a knee issue, though the BBC notes that the first entry announcement is not final.

The entry window closes on 17 August. According to the BBC, six teams with the strongest combined singles rankings will go straight into the main draw, eight will receive wildcards, and two more places will come through qualifying on 24 August. Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, doubles specialists who criticised last year’s changes before winning the title, are set to return.

The revamped format remains significant because it has divided opinion in tennis. Doubles players objected to the shift toward celebrity pairings, while organisers have sought to boost attention, ticket sales and revenue before the singles draws. BBC Sport also reports that sources said appearance fees of up to $500,000 have been offered to attract major names.