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Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic and women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka are among the leading stars entered for the revamped US Open mixed doubles competition.
The pair are expected to feature among the first six teams selected based on world rankings when the entry deadline closes on August 17. Their participation adds major star power to a tournament that organisers have redesigned to attract more elite players.
However, men’s world number one Jannik Sinner and second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz will not compete in this year’s mixed doubles event. Both players have opted to focus on their preparations and fitness ahead of the final Grand Slam tournament of the season.
The mixed doubles competition underwent major changes last year, including a shorter scoring format in the opening rounds and a new two-day schedule placed before the singles draws. The reforms were introduced to encourage more leading singles players to participate.
Despite their criticism of the changes, Italian doubles specialists Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori will return as defending champions. The pair claimed the title last year and earned a $1 million prize cheque.
United States Tennis Association (USTA) CEO Craig Tiley said the event reflects the best of the sport by bringing male and female players together.
“Anytime you can bring women and men together on the same team, you showcase tennis at its best,” Tiley said.
“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.”
Sinner, who won Wimbledon this year, has decided to prioritise his health ahead of the US Open and will also miss the Canadian Open scheduled for August 2 to 13. The Italian did not participate in last year’s mixed doubles competition.
Alcaraz, who partnered Britain’s Emma Raducanu at last year’s event, is also absent as he continues his recovery from a wrist injury that forced him to miss the French Open and Wimbledon.
The remaining spots will be completed through wild cards and qualifying. Eight teams will receive invitations, while two teams will secure main draw places through an eight-team qualifying tournament beginning on August 24.
The two-day mixed doubles event starts on August 25, five days before the men’s and women’s singles competitions begin at Flushing Meadows.
