Novak Djokovic, 39, and Aryna Sabalenka, 28, are set to play together in the 2026 US Open mixed doubles event starting August 25 at Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadiums in New York City [1, 2, 3]. The mixed doubles main draw will run for two days, August 25-26, ahead of the singles competition [1, 4].
The 16-team mixed doubles field features a mix of top singles stars and established doubles players, including defending runners-up Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori, Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper, as well as defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori [1, 4]. The revamped format introduced in 2025 reduced the draw to 16 teams and moved the event before the singles main draw to attract elite singles players [1, 5, 6].
“The mixed doubles championship showcases tennis at its best by bringing women and men together on the same team,” USTA CEO Craig Tiley said. “We are proud to again bring the world’s top players together in a format that will provide exciting entertainment for our fans.” [2]
The entry window closes on August 17. The top six teams by combined singles ranking gain direct entry, while eight wild cards and two spots via an eight-team qualifier held August 24 complete the field [1, 4]. Notably, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have not entered, citing injury recovery and health priorities [1, 6]. Serena Williams is also absent from the entry list amid a recent knee injury, though final pairings are not confirmed until after the entry deadline [1].
The 2025 event, the first under the new format, was commercially successful, selling out venues and awarding $2.36 million in prize money overall. The defending champions Errani and Vavassori earned $1 million for winning the title last year [1, 7, 8].
The 2026 US Open mixed doubles matches will be broadcast to audiences worldwide as the tournament prepares to kick off on August 25 [3]. The qualifying tournament to decide the last two main draw spots will take place on August 24 [1, 4].
