Why are Jannik Sinner & Carlos Alcaraz not included in US Open 2026 mixed doubles draw?
Carlos Alcaraz partnered with Emma Raducanu in last year’s US Open mixed doubles.
The US Open has unveiled the entry list for the 2026 mixed doubles event; just like last year, the top singles players are set to dominate. Hence, organisers can attract more spectators to the mixed doubles event.
Casper Ruud and Iga Swiatek were beaten by USO 2024 champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori in last year’s final. Other prominent duos include Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic; Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz; Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev; among others.
For all that star power, two of men’s tennis’ biggest names are conspicuously absent. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are yet to be named in any confirmed pairing, despite both appearing on the singles entry list.
Sinner’s situation carries some baggage from last year, when he pulled out of the mixed doubles at the eleventh hour following his retirement in the Cincinnati final. This time around, his hesitation appears rooted in something bigger.
Reports had earlier indicated that players, including Sinner, had discussed a possible boycott of the event entirely over prize money and player welfare concerns, even as rivals like Djokovic and Sabalenka have already signed up.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz has not competed since Barcelona in April due to a wrist injury, despite remaining on the singles entry list as the defending champion in New York. Given that uncertainty over his fitness, a doubles commitment appears to be the last thing on his camp’s mind right now.
Also missing are the sport’s most storied surnames. Venus and Serena Williams have not been paired with anyone either, but credible sources earlier reported that the Williams sisters could be partnering with Sinner and Alcaraz, respectively.
As the list is not complete, a few more changes are expected before the field is finalised, and it remains to be seen if these two blockbuster pairings make the final cut.
Entries for the event remain open until August 17, with the US Open 2026 Mixed Doubles Championship taking place from August 24 to August 26 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre.
Why is Carlos Alcaraz not included in the US Open 2026 mixed doubles draw?
Alcaraz has been sidelined by a wrist injury since competing in Barcelona in April. Given the uncertainty surrounding his fitness, his team has refrained from making any additional commitments.
Why is Jannik Sinner not included in the US Open 2026 mixed doubles draw?
Sinner withdrew late from last year’s mixed doubles following an injury in Cincinnati. For 2026, his hesitation stems from broader ongoing discussions among players regarding prize money allocation and player welfare.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.