Several ATP and WTA singles players will have the opportunity to compete for a Grand Slam title in the mixed doubles tournament, as the US Open has introduced a new format of the event that will see top-ranked singles stars participate in teams in New York.
The mixed doubles event will now feature shorter matches, and will take place a few days before the singles draw. Additionally, several established doubles teams will be left without a Grand Slam paycheck as their spots have been allocated to teams of top-ranked singles players.
Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina is one of the numerous singles players who will be competing in mixed doubles at Flushing Meadows. The Kazakh star is teaming with American Taylor Fritz, with the duo having previously partnered together at an exhibition event earlier this year.
The former World No.3 is not the only top star to feature in New York this summer, as several high-profile teams have already been established. World No.1 Jannik Sinner will play alongside American Emma Navarro while Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz is scheduled to team up with former US Open champion Emma Raducanu.
Rybakina hoping to take on the challenge of facing the guys
Currently competing at the DC Open in Washington, Rybakina is through to the quarterfinal after defeating rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko in straight sets. The Kazakhstani No.1 was subsequently asked if there were any ATP players she was eager to face at the US Open mixed doubles event this summer, to which she singled out the two best players in the world.
"I mean… depends," replied Rybakina with a laugh. "I think Sinner, Alcaraz definitely. To see how they hit and feel how the ball is coming. But it’s not easy with each player there."
There were will be some stiff competition at Flushing Meadows, as other high-profile teams include former World No.1 Iga Swiatek teaming up with Norwegian Casper Ruud. Serbian Novak Djokovic will bring his Grand Slam experience, as he's scheduled to compete alongside WTA compatriot Olga Danilovic. American WTA icon Venus Williams made her triumphant return to professional tennis at the DC Open, and she'll be teaming with compatriot Reilly Opelka in New York.
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