Daniil Medvedev snubs US Open mixed doubles to play ATP 250 in Winston-Salem
ATPFriday, 21 August 2026 at 04:30
Daniil Medvedev has opted out of the US Open mixed doubles event, with the former world No. 1 choosing to prioritize singles preparation at the Winston-Salem Open instead. The decision highlights the scheduling difficulties created by the revamped US Open mixed doubles tournament, which is being held during the week before the singles main draw.
Medvedev received a wildcard into the ATP 250 event in Winston-Salem (as confirmed by tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg). Medvedev will look to build momentum ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season.
The Russian had originally been listed to play US Open mixed doubles alongside compatriot Diana Shnaider, but the overlap with Winston-Salem makes his participation in New York effectively impossible.
He is not the only major name to withdraw from the mixed doubles event because of scheduling concerns. Naomi Osaka recently pulled out of her planned partnership with Kei Nishikori, with the four-time Grand Slam champion also citing scheduling issues.
Medvedev's decision reshapes the mixed doubles draw
Medvedev and Shnaider's withdrawal opens the door for another team to enter the star-studded mixed doubles field.
The choice is particularly notable given Medvedev's history at the US Open. He won the title in 2021, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final to prevent the Serbian from completing a calendar-year Grand Slam. Four years later, however, Medvedev's immediate priority is finding his best level before returning to Flushing Meadows.
Several headline partnerships remain in place, including Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, and Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud.
The immediate beneficiaries could be Czech pair Jakub Mensik and Karolina Muchova. The two were first on the alternates list and were reportedly prepared to compete, putting the world No. 16 and world No. 7 in line to move into the draw.
Anna Kalinskaya and Lorenzo Musetti are also waiting for confirmation as the field continues to take shape. The withdrawals have therefore created opportunities for players who otherwise might not have made it into the event, while also showing how difficult it is to balance mixed doubles with singles preparation.
The US Open mixed doubles tournament will be played during the week before the singles main draw, using its revamped short-format structure. While the event has attracted some of the biggest names in tennis, its timing has already forced several players to make a choice between competing in New York early and preparing for the singles tournament elsewhere.
Winston-Salem offers Medvedev a chance to find rhythm
Medvedev's alternative is a Winston-Salem draw that has become considerably stronger than might normally be expected for an ATP 250 so close to a Grand Slam. The tournament has handed wildcards to Stefanos Tsitsipas and Cruz Hewitt, adding an experienced former top player and one of Australia's most promising young talents to the field.
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Luciano Darderi currently leads the entry list at No. 22, followed by Alejandro Tabilo at No. 28, Ignacio Buse at No. 36 and Arthur Fery at No. 37. Medvedev's presence adds another significant name and could give him several matches against quality opposition before travelling to New York.
For the former world No. 1, the calculation is straightforward. Rather than spending the week before the US Open playing a mixed doubles format, Medvedev will use the ATP 250 to focus exclusively on singles and attempt to build the competitive rhythm that could prove crucial once the year's final Grand Slam begins.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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