NEW DELHI: Novak Djokovic will join Aryna Sabalenka as the top tennis stars in the initial list of 16 teams that have entered this year’s revamped US Open mixed doubles championship. The event, which offers a $1 million prize to the winning pair, has once again attracted many of the biggest names in singles tennis after its successful relaunch last year.Among the notable entries are last year’s finalists Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori, and Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper. Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori are also entered, although they are likely to need a wild card again due to their lower singles rankings.
How the tournament works
The main draw will take place over two days, from August 25 to 26, with all games scheduled at Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium. Six teams with the best combined singles rankings after entries close on August 17 will automatically qualify, while eight teams will receive wild cards and two more will earn their spots through a qualifying event on August 24.The revamped format, introduced last year, drew criticism for favoring singles players over doubles specialists. However, it proved popular with fans, attracting around 78,000 spectators and a sell-out crowd over the two days.
The USTA supports the revamped format
USTA CEO Craig Tiley believes the event has added a new dimension to the Grand Slam.“Any time you can bring women and men together on the same team, it shows you tennis at its best. This is exactly what the mixed doubles championship does,” he said.“The mixed doubles championship is an innovation that will engage a new audience and give our fans another opportunity to see the biggest stars compete together.”The qualifying tournament also created more opportunities for doubles specialists this year. The games up to the semi-finals will be played in a best-of-three format, while the final will follow the traditional scoring with six full games.