Novak Djokovic to partner Aryna Sabalenka in US Open mixed doubles, but Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Serena Williams among absentees
Updated 28/07/2026 at 18:01 GMT+1
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Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka are the standout pairing among the initial list of 16 teams entered into the mixed doubles at the 2026 US Open. Britain's Jack Draper will team up with Jessica Pegula for the two-day event, while Iga Swiatek partners with Casper Ruud.
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Video credit: SNTV
Notable absentees from the entry list, which is not yet finalised, are Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Venus and Serena Williams, and British No. 1 Emma Raducanu.
The mixed doubles event at the US Open was controversially overhauled last year, moving it into the week before the singles and doubles main draws start, and giving qualification preference to singles rankings rather than doubles.
Despite the alterations and outcry, the competition was won by specialist doubles pairing Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who are on the entry list as they look to defend their title.
Also teaming up will be Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, Japan’s Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori, and Alexandra Eala and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The entry window for the mixed doubles remains open until August 17, when the six pairings with the best combined singles rankings will secure places in the main draw.
Eight teams will get wildcards and the final two pairings will come from a new qualifying session on Monday, August 24. The qualifying will feature eight teams - six direct entries and two wildcards - with two earning a main-draw place.
United States Tennis Association (USTA) chief executive officer Craig Tiley said: "Any time you can bring women and men together on the same team, you showcase tennis at its best. This is exactly what the mixed doubles championship does.
”We are proud to again bring the world's top players together in a format that will provide exciting entertainment for our fans. The mixed doubles championship is an innovation that will engage new audiences and give our fans another opportunity to see the biggest stars compete together.”Â
The format of the mixed doubles at the US Open until the final sees sets played to four games, with no-ad scoring, tie-breakers at 4-4, and a 10-point match tie-break instead of a third set.Â
The final will use traditional scoring with sets played to six games and a 10-point match tie-breaker.
Tiley added: ”When you create an event that is meaningful for players, compelling for partners and exciting for fans, you help build lasting interest.
"We're excited to see mixed doubles receive the spotlight it deserves, and we believe this championship will inspire more people around the world to follow and embrace this unique format of the game."Â
The main draw at the 2026 US Open starts on Sunday, August 30.
Djokovic will be bidding for a record 25th Grand Slam title while Alcaraz's status as defending champion remains unclear as he continues to recover from injury.
Sabalenka won the 2025 US Open women's title.
US Open mixed doubles entry list
- Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic
- Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz
- Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev
- Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud
- Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli
- Diana Shnaider and Daniil Medvedev
- Amanda Anisimova and Learner Tien
- Alexandra Eala and Felix Auger-Aliassime
- Leylah Fernandez and Frances Tiafoe
- Taylor Townsend and Alexander Zverev
- Elena-Gabriela Ruse and Nuno Borges
- Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper
- Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori
- Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori
- Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten
- Peyton Stearns and Preston Stearns
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