Sabalenka-Djokovic, Osaka-Nishikori and more: The star team-ups taking over US Open mixed doubles
Tennis News
The US Open mixed doubles event will once again look very different in 2026, with some of the biggest names in tennis joining forces for a revamped competition that has created plenty of discussion around the sport.
Leading the field is perhaps the most eye-catching partnership possible: world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka teaming up with Novak Djokovic, as two of the biggest champions of their generations prepare to share the court at Flushing Meadows.
The Serbian will arrive at the tournament chasing history in singles, with the opportunity to capture a record 25th Grand Slam title, but he will also add another chapter to his US Open story by competing in mixed doubles. Djokovic made his mixed doubles debut at the 2025 edition alongside fellow Serbian Olga Danilovic, although the pair suffered a first-round defeat.
For Sabalenka, the event will also represent another opportunity to compete outside singles. The Belarusian has played only one previous Grand Slam mixed doubles match, partnering with Rohan Bopanna at Wimbledon 2019. She was originally expected to participate at last year’s US Open with Grigor Dimitrov, but the pair withdrew before the tournament, with Sabalenka eventually going on to win the singles title.
A new-look US Open mixed doubles event attracts the biggest names
The decision to transform the mixed doubles competition has been one of the biggest talking points at the US Open. After the success of the 2025 edition, the tournament will once again feature the new schedule and shorter format designed to attract more attention from fans.
The event will be played during Fan Week, from August 24 to August 26, before the singles main draws begin on August 30. Matches will be played as best-of-three sets to four games, with no-ad scoring and a 10-point match tiebreak replacing a traditional third set. The final will use the longer six-game sets format.
The new concept immediately produced blockbuster partnerships in 2025, with Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori winning the title after defeating Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud in a deciding tiebreak. The champions collected $1 million in prize money, increasing the attention around a discipline that traditionally struggled for the same spotlight as singles.
Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori are the two-time defending champions in mixed doubles. Last year they defeated Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud in the final.
The 2026 edition will again feature a mix of Grand Slam champions, established stars and rising talents. Alongside Sabalenka and Djokovic, several other elite combinations headline the entry list.
Elena Rybakina will partner Taylor Fritz, while Mirra Andreeva will join forces with Andrey Rublev. Swiatek and Casper Ruud will reunite after reaching the final in 2025, while Daniil Medvedev will team up with Diana Shnaider.
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There will also be intriguing combinations involving players from different generations. Naomi Osaka will play alongside Kei Nishikori, while Alexandra Eala will partner Felix Auger-Aliassime. Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper are also scheduled to compete, although the Briton’s participation could depend on his physical condition after another injury setback forced him to withdraw from the DC Open.
Notably, some of the biggest names in men’s tennis will not be part of the event. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will skip the mixed doubles competition, focusing instead on their singles campaigns at Flushing Meadows.
2026 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship pairs
| # | WTA player | ATP player |
| 1 | Aryna Sabalenka | Novak Djokovic |
| 2 | Elena Rybakina | Taylor Fritz |
| 3 | Mirra Andreeva | Andrey Rublev |
| 4 | Iga Swiatek | Casper Ruud |
| 5 | Belinda Bencic | Flavio Cobolli |
| 6 | Diana Shnaider | Daniil Medvedev |
| 7 | Amanda Anisimova | Learner Tien |
| 8 | Alexandra Eala | Felix Auger-Aliassime |
| 9 | Leylah Fernandez | Frances Tiafoe |
| 10 | Taylor Townsend | Alexander Zverev |
| 11 | Elena-Gabriela Ruse | Nuno Borges |
| 12 | Jessica Pegula | Jack Draper |
| 13 | Naomi Osaka | Kei Nishikori |
| 14 | Sara Errani | Andrea Vavassori |
| 15 | Katerina Siniakova | Henry Patten |
| 16 | Peyton Stearns | Preston Stearns |
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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