NEW YORK — World number one Aryna Sabalenka and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic are set to headline a star-studded initial entry list for this year’s U.S. Open mixed doubles championship, tournament organizers announced on Monday. The high-profile competition, which is returning for its second edition under a dramatically revamped format, has also attracted major pairings including six-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek alongside Casper Ruud, world number two Elena Rybakina with Taylor Fritz, Japanese stars Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori, Jessica Pegula with Jack Draper, and the defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. The standalone championship is scheduled to take place just before the singles main draw, running from August 24–26.
The innovative format was introduced by organizers last year specifically to attract elite singles players by reducing the overall draw size and creating a dedicated, exclusive slot on the tennis calendar. The entry window officially closes on August 17, after which the top six pairings based on combined singles rankings will earn direct entry into the exclusive 16-team main draw. Additionally, eight teams will receive wildcard entries, while the remaining two slots will be fiercely contested through a newly introduced eight-team qualifying draw. Despite initial pushback from doubles specialists who argued the changes sidelined established traditional duos, the reimagined tournament debuted to massive commercial success last year, drawing sellout crowds before Errani and Vavassori ultimately claimed the trophy by defeating Swiatek and Ruud in the finals.
