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US Open just got a whole lot more compelling for tennis fans

What is happening?
Aryna Sabalenka celebrates winning her match
Aryna Sabalenka celebrates winning her match | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The final major of the tennis season, the US Open, will have a main draw that begins on August 30 and ends with the men's final on September 13. Leading up to those dates will be Fan Week, and that is where part of the high-end entertainment happens.

Normally, mixed doubles doesn't get much love or attention. Even doubles on the ATP and WTA sides don't get much draw. Those two entities still might not be huge draws in 2026, but mixed doubles is a different beast this year. The recently announced partnerships are elite, and tennis fans will not want to miss them.

Mixed doubles will be held from August 24 through 26, with the qualifying part happening on the first day. On August 25 will be the first and second rounds, and August 26 will see the semifinals and final played. The last day requires tickets, but the first two days are free. In other words, if you are in the New York City area, make your plans to visit the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

US Open mixed doubles list is fascinating and elite

Whoever was in charge of partnering the players deserves a raise. Novak Djokovic will play with Aryna Sabalenka, for instance. Alex Eala will team up with Felix Auger-Aliassime. Taylor Townsend and Alexander Zverev could be the class of the group since both have had previous success playing doubles.

The mixed doubles duos announced by the US Open this week include:

  • Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka
  • Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz
  • Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori
  • Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev
  • Alexandra Eala and Felix Auger-Aliassime
  • Casper Ruud and Iga Swiatek
  • Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula
  • Peyton Stearns and her brother, Preston Stearns
  • Taylor Townsend and Alexander Zverev
  • Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli
  • Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori
  • Leylah Fernandez and Frances Tiafoe
  • Diana Shnaider and Daniil Medvedev
  • Amanda Anisimova and Learner Tien
  • Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten
  • Elena-Gabriela Ruse and Nuno Borges

Two names not mentioned above, but who have had rumors swirl about their participation, are Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz. That would be the main reason for many to watch the small event play out, but what isn't known is the health of the Spaniard's wrist.

He is expected to return at the Cincinnati Masters, but that is still somewhat in doubt. He hasn't played since the Barcelona Open in April, and reports are mixed as to how healthy he currently is. If he plays in Cincinnati, maybe he still skips the US Open mixed doubles so that he doesn't put more stress on his wrist before playing singles in New York.

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