Top five mixed doubles teams to watch out for at US Open 2026

Aryna Sabalenka will make her debut in the doubles format at the US Open 2026, alongside Novak Djokovic.

The US Open‘s revamped mixed doubles format returns for a second edition, and once again, the entry list headlines some of the biggest names in tennis.

The initial list for the 2026 event includes Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev, Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, and Naomi Osaka paired with Kei Nishikori, among several other notable combinations.

Like last year, the tournament will take place during Fan Week, ahead of the singles main draw, with matches spread across Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Last year’s title went to doubles specialists Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who won the inaugural reformatted event and claimed the $1 million top prize.

Also Read: Why are Jannik Sinner & Carlos Alcaraz not included in US Open 2026 mixed doubles draw?

Mixed doubles teams to look forward to at US Open 2026

5. Taylor Fritz / Elena Rybakina

The two-time Eisenhower Cup-winning pair of Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina will look to enjoy a better campaign at this year’s mixed doubles, following their disappointing first-round exit last year at the hands of the eventual winners.

These two form a good partnership due to their formidable serving and quality groundstroke shot-making. If Rybakina can execute her volleys at the net, then the duo could make a deep run, provided they are handed a decent draw.

4. Kei Nishikori / Naomi Osaka

There is a sentimental layer to this all-Japanese pairing, as Kei Nishikori will play mixed doubles for the first time in what is expected also to be his final year on tour, teaming up with 4-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.

The duo have long been linked in conversation, even discussing playing together at the Tokyo Olympics years ago, and this finally brings that pairing to a Grand Slam stage. Osaka played alongside Gael Monfils in the 2025 mixed doubles but suffered an opening-round loss.

3. Iga Swiatek / Casper Ruud

Runner-ups from the 2025 edition, Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, will aim to replicate their heroics from last year.

Both bring heavy topspin games built more for singles. However, their movement and shot-making translated well last year, and having already been to a final together, they know exactly what the format demands over its condensed two-day window.

2. Jack Draper / Jessica Pegula

Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula quietly had one of the better runs of the competition last year. The pair reached the semi-finals in 2025, falling just short of the final, and their return suggests unfinished business.

After withdrawing from the Washington Open due to a recent injury, significant questions remain regarding Draper’s fitness.

However, if he takes the court, his power off both wings in tandem with Pegula’s steadiness and return game will make them genuine contenders rather than just a marquee name on paper.

1. Novak Djokovic / Aryna Sabalenka

The team that has everyone talking is the newest partnership of Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka. The Serbian made his mixed doubles appearance last year alongside fellow Serbian Olga Danilović, but they lost in the first round.

Sabalenka has played only one previous Grand Slam mixed doubles match in her career, partnering India’s Rohan Bopanna at Wimbledon back in 2019, and had been expected to play last year’s US Open edition with Grigor Dimitrov before the Bulgarian was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Djokovic and Sabalenka’s excellent chemistry, combined with their unquestionable tennis pedigree, makes them one of the favourites for the title and arguably the most entertaining pairing in the field.

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