The story

Aryna Sabalenka, the women's world No. 1 and two-time defending U.S. Open singles champion, will team with 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic for the U.S. Open mixed doubles championship on August 25-26. The initial entry list of 16 teams announced Monday also includes six-time major champion Iga Swiatek and three-time major finalist Casper Ruud, who lost in last year's final. Other notable pairs include Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper, Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori, and Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz. Men's world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are not yet on the list.

The tournament was overhauled last year with a $1 million prize for the winners. Last year's total prize money was $2,360,000. Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who won $1,000,000 in 2025, are entered again. The event drew 78,000 spectators over two days last year and won Sports Business Journal's Sports Breakthrough of the Year award for its 2025 reimagination.

Entry closes at noon on August 17. The top six teams with the best combined singles ranking will receive direct entry into the main draw. Eight teams will be determined via wild card, and two will advance through an eight-team qualifying tournament on August 24. All matches will be held in Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium and televised on ESPN's properties.