Tennis superstars Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic have confirmed they will compete together in the upcoming US Open mixed doubles competition. The event, which underwent a controversial restructuring last year to prioritize high-profile athlete participation, is scheduled to take place in New York starting August 25.
Several other prominent figures have also committed to the tournament. Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula are set to reunite after their 2025 semi-final run, while last year’s finalists, Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, are returning as a team. Additional pairs include Naomi Osaka with Kei Nishikori, Taylor Fritz with Elena Rybakina, and the duo of Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev. Despite prior discussions regarding a potential boycott over Grand Slam revenue sharing, many top players have decided to participate.
Notable absences include Carlos Alcaraz, who is sidelined with a wrist injury, and Jannik Sinner, who is currently focusing on his physical recovery. While there was speculation about Serena Williams joining the field, she remains out of competition following a knee injury sustained at Wimbledon. Official entries will be finalized by August 17, with six spots determined by combined singles rankings, eight decided by wildcards, and two awarded through a qualifying tournament.
Organizers maintain that the event’s revamped format, which includes shorter matches and a strategic pre-singles schedule, successfully draws significant interest and revenue. Reports suggest that substantial appearance fees have been offered to attract elite talent, further fueling excitement for the two-day event at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
