Sports
Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka Headline Revamped US Open Mixed Doubles Championship
The 24-time Grand Slam champion and WTA World No. 1 unite for a star-studded 16-team tournament at Flushing Meadows offering a $1 million winners' purse.
By 19Network Editorial Team · Jul 28, 2026 · 5 min read
Tennis fans are set for an unprecedented spectacle in New York after tournament organizers confirmed that Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka will team up in a star-studded mixed doubles lineup ahead of the main draw.
NEW YORK — In one of the most eagerly anticipated announcements in modern Grand Slam history, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has confirmed that Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka will unite to headline the 2026 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship. Combining Djokovic’s unmatched 24 Grand Slam singles titles with Sabalenka’s reigning WTA World No. 1 status and explosive power, the pair instantly enters as headlining favorites for the title at Flushing Meadows. The blockbuster event, which was revamped in 2025 to attract top-tier singles competitors, takes place during the opening week of the US Open across August 25 and 26. Featuring a condensed 16-team bracket played under high-tempo scoring rules, the tournament awards a massive $1 million prize to the champion duo. By positioning the mixed doubles competition as a marquee attraction before the singles main draw begins, organizers have created a festival atmosphere that has captured global fan interest. Beyond their remarkable individual credentials, Djokovic and Sabalenka share a well-documented camaraderie off the court. Over recent seasons, the two champions have frequently trained together, sharing tactical insights and entertaining supporters with playful interactions during exhibition events. Analysts note that Sabalenka’s blistering baseline strokes combined with Djokovic’s defensive coverage and elite return game make them a uniquely complete pair on hard courts. The entry list announced by the USTA…